Rohr could name 28 players in Nigeria’s squad for next year’s AFCON

The German tactician can pick as many as 28 players for the biennial continental showpiece scheduled for January and February next year 

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr will name 28 players in Nigeria’s squad for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations after CAF granted countries permission to have a 28-man squad due to Covid-19.

In a memo released to all participating countries, CAF said countries could name up to 28-players in their squad to provide room for a replacement if a player tests positive for Covid-19.

CAF is following UEFA’s blueprint after the European football governing body allowed countries to name 26-players in their squad for Euro 2020.

This decision means Rohr can have an expanded squad for the competition in Cameroon next year, and that could see Odion Ighalo included.

Soccernet had reported that the German tactician is set to hand the former Manchester United star a shock return to the national team ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, only three substitutes will be allowed per match plus one additional substitute should extra time be needed.

Nigeria have been drawn against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau. The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations runs from January 9 to February 6 2022.

Joba Ogunwale

Oluwajoba Ogunwale has many years of experience as a sports content writer. The most recent of these was at Opera News, after which he took up the role of Editor-in-Chief at Soccernet.

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  • To me Ighalo has nothing to do with the present team, our should focus on the midfield, he should look for players that can feed the forward players passes the will make them score goals. We have capable forward players now. I believe the problem with team is midfield.

    • What is wrong with some stupid coaches ?Rohr said he lost the first leg to CAR due to absence of some big players but in the second leg he won the game without the same players.This is not a coach.A good coach always accepts his mistakes football is all about ups and downs ,the coach shouldn't let one player feels superior that the others.There is a new good player from Esperance of tunisia.This guy is young,hungry and talented with speed as a vasatile player.what does he needs from ighalo?.bullshits

  • Pls Rohr focus on the midfield and defence . That's were u have challenge. Personally I'd suggest u convert Onuachu into a defensive midfielder. He is strong and tall to help cut off threats of set pieces. Pls begin to think hard on how you will tame Salah . This is your problem Rohr .

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