Olivier Giroud came into France's starting XI for Monday's World Cup last-16 match against Nigeria at Brasilia's Mane Garrincha National Stadium as coach Didier Deschamps made six changes.
The Arsenal striker got the nod over Antoine Griezmann, while Mathieu Valbuena was also drafted into the French front line after being rested for Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Ecuador.
A thigh injury to Mamadou Sakho saw Laurent Koscielny handed a start alongside Raphael Varane in central defence, while Yohan Cabaye returned from suspension in central midfield.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi made only one change to his team, with Chelsea winger Victor Moses replacing Michel Babatunde, who fractured his wrist in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat by Argentina.
Peter Odemwingie was expected to play in a central role in support of lone striker Emmanuel Emenike, with Moses and Ahmed Musa -- who scored twice against Argentina -- starting on the flanks.
Teams
France
Hugo Lloris (capt); Mathieu Debuchy, Laurent Koscielny, Raphael Varane, Patrice Evra; Paul Pogba, Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi; Mathieu Valbuena, Olivier Giroud, Karim Benzema
Coach: Didier Deschamps (FRA)
Nigeria
Vincent Enyeama; Efe Ambrose, Joseph Yobo (capt), Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa; John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi; Victor Moses, Peter Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa; Emmanuel Emenike
Coach: Stephen Keshi (NGR)
Referee: Mark Geiger (USA)
Source: AFP
