Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has released the 23-man list of players to prosecute the AFCON Qualifiers next month with goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and midfielder Mikel Agu making sensational returns and Victor Osimhen getting an invitation despite initial injury concerns.
Kaizer Chiefs goaltender Daniel Akpeyi earns his first call up to the national team since his inconsistent displays at the 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament where Nigeria picked up a bronze medal. Akpeyi comes in for Francis Uzoho who got injured in Nigeria’s friendly match against Brazil a few weeks ago.
There was also a return for Vitoria Guimaraes midfielder Mikel Agu following his impressive outing for his club against Arsenal in the Europa League last week. Team captain, Ahmed Musa is another player set to make his return following a spell on the sidelines with injury.
After missing the Brazil tie, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate – both Ola Aina and Kenneth Omeruo have also been invited to shore up a defense that seems incapable of keeping goals out.
Another surprise inclusion is Victor Osimhen who limped out of Lille’s weekend game due to injury but is expected to make a quick recovery and help the Super Eagles defeat Benin Republic.
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The 23-man List:
Goalkeepers- Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi, Maduka Okoye.
Defenders- William Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo, Bryan Idowu, Chidozie Awaziem, Abdullahi Shehu, Jamilu Collins, Ola Aina.
Midfielders- Wilfred Ndidi, Ramon Azeez, Joe Aribo, Alex Iwobi, Mikel Agu.
Forwards- Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Simon Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Emmanuel Dennis, Samuel Chukwueze.
The trio of Stoke’s Oghenekaro Etebo, Peter Olayinka and Leon Balogun have all been placed on standby by the Nigeria gaffer.
The Super Eagles face Benin Republic and Lesotho in an AFCON 2021 qualifying double header in November.
