BEVERLY HILLS, October 30, (THEWILL) – Ahead of Nigeria’s 2022 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone next month, the team sheet of Super Eagles’ players invited for the double-header by German coach Gernot Rohr has been made public.
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen returns to the team after missing out on the pair of international friendlies the Super Eagles played against the Desert Foxes of Algeria and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
The list includes the duo, Scotland-based midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and South Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi. Rohr also invited Captain Ahmed Musa, defender William Ekong, and midfield enforcer Oghenekaro Etebo.
Notably, Genk forward, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers, was completely left out of the selection after his debut in the international friendlies.
But, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forwards Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Chidera Ejuke were included.
Switzerland-based Nigerian goalie Sebastian Osigwe will be chalking up a debut cap in the Green-White-Green, as defenders Kevin Akpoguma and Zaidu Sanusi, who turned out impressive performances in those friendlies in Austria, have been handed opportunities to add to their caps.
About seven players have been placed on standby duty including defender Abdullahi Shehu, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, midfielders Ramon Azeez and Samson Tijani, and forward Paul Onuachu.
In a statement from the spokesperson of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, the Federation intimated the public of these details.
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“The Super Eagles take on the Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Friday, 13th November before flying to Freetown for the return game on Tuesday, 17th November at the Siaka Stevens Stadium.
“Players are expected to report at the Protea Hotel, Emotan in Benin City on Monday, 9th November. Victory in both encounters will all but guarantee Nigeria a slot at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals holding in Cameroon.”
THE TEAM SHEET
Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Sebastian Osigwe (FC Lugano, Switzerland); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Galatasaray, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (FC Twente, Netherlands); Frank Onyeka (FC Midtjylland, Denmark); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Unattached); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure (Club Brugge, Belgium); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Standby: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Samson Tijani (TSV Hartberg, Austria); Abdullahi Shehu (Omonia Nicosia, Cyprus); Ramon Azeez (Granada CF, Spain); Kelechi Nwakali (SD Huesca, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium)
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
