The two players are part of the 28-man squad for the biennial competition, but they would not have made the team if the German tactician was still in charge
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr did not include Kelechi Nwakali and Olisa Ndah in his provisional list for the Africa Cup of Nations; it has been revealed.
Nwakali and Ndah are the surprise inclusion in the final 28-man squad for the biennial competition, which starts in Cameroon on January 9.
However, both players would not have been in the squad had Rohr been in charge after it emerged that they were not in the German tactician’s list.
Rohr was sacked as Super Eagles coach earlier this month, but before his sacking, he confirmed in an interview with Soccernet that he had sent a 40-man provisional list to CAF.
Following Rohr’s sacking, Austin Eguavoen was appointed as the interim boss, and he confirmed with Soccernet that he would pick from the 40-man list Rohr sent to CAF.
Eguavoen did pick from Rohr’s list aside from the selection of Nwakali and Ndah, who were not in Rohr’s 40-man list that leaked on Wednesday.
Surprisingly, the in-form Ademola Lookman was included in Rohr’s 40-man provisional list, but the Leicester City star is not part of Eguavoen’s 28-man squad.
Lookman’s eligibility was in doubt as it was believed he had not completed his international switch. But his inclusion in Rohr’s list suggests he is now eligible to represent Nigeria, although Soccernet gathered that he is still yet to complete the switch.
The Super Eagles begin their AFCON campaign with a clash against seven-time champions Egypt before completing their group stage campaign with games against Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria are three-time champions and will be seeking a fourth continental title in Cameroon.
This post was last modified on December 29, 2021 5:49 pm
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Instead of Musa, Lookman should have been invited. Although it would have meant Leicester City missing 3 good players.
Before talking about the inclusion of lookman we should start with his eligibility. Rohr included him hoping he would be legible before the competition. Is he legible now??
Dear writer,
It's your duty to inform the general public of the eligibility status of Ademola Lookman and not to mis-inform anyone.
As you know, Lookman is yet to be cleared by FIFA to play for Nigeria and you are aware of this.
Why then do you amplify the clamour of some un-informed fans to question the exclusion of Lookman from the Super Eagles AFCON list?
Dear writer,
Can you explain why you have misinformed Nigerians on Lookman eligibility status
The problem is some of you don't read and lack understanding. Where in the story did the writer say Lookman is eligible to play for Nigeria? The story is about Rohr's original squad, no where did it state Lookman is eligible. Read guys.
It it you Chukwudi that lacks knowledge of understanding. The writer clearly expressed his dissatisfaction with the exclusion of Lookman which he blamed on the sack of the German tactician and even went further to expose his bigotry.
Again, Nigerians will always continue to wirte IELTS. Wheee did he blame the sacking of Rohr on Lookman's exclusion? How did you guys pass in school? Did uou even read the story at all? Is the story about why Lookman did not make the squad or just about Rohr's original list? You people clearly lack comprehension skills.
@tunde you lack understanding of common work ethics and your comprehension of English is below average at best...
It's the duty of a sound reporter to conduct investigative journalism in order to properly inform readers or audience as the case maybe
Again, Nigerians will always continue to wirte IELTS. Wheee did he blame the sacking of Rohr on Lookman's exclusion? How did you guys pass in school? Did uou even read the story at all? Is the story about why Lookman did not make the squad or just about Rohr's original list? You people clearly lack comprehension skills.