Recuperating Osimhen, Ighalo Top Super Eagles’ 28-Man List For Africa Nations Cup

Victor Osimhen who earlier in the week declared himself fit for the challenges at the Africa Cup of Nations has been named by interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen as one of the 28 players for the tournament.

Also in the roaster is returnee, Odion Ighalo who had earlier retired from the team but made a sensational come-back in the closing glee of the World Cup qualifying group stage.

With just two weeks to the tournament, NFF’s director of communication, Ademola Olajire on Christmas Day released the list of Nigerians for the 33^rd edition of the African premier sports competition.

In the list are Wilfred Ndidi and Ahmed Musa who will most likely be the most international capped player at the tournament.

Musa’s international appearances officially stand at 102 matches. Nigeria, a record third-place winners of seven will be attempting a fourth victory at the competition.

The three –time winners will confront seven-time and record winners Egypt, Sudan and debutants Guinea Bissau with venue in the northern town of Garoua, and a mouth-watering clash with the Pharaohs in the group opener on Tuesday, 11^th January means the Eagles must hit the ground at blistering pace.

Former Nigeria captain Eguavoen, who coached the Super Eagles to third-place finish at the finals in Egypt 15 years ago, has selected four goalkeepers, nine defenders and five midfielders.

Though a hard-tackling defender in his playing days, Eguavoen possibly have an attacking philosophy going into the African Cup of Nations. He has invited 10 strikers.

In his first stint as Super Eagles’ coach, he amassed a whopping 10 goals in just three matches against Libya, Algeria and Zimbabwe in 2005.

His list indicates a return to the group for former U17 World Cup –winning captain Kelechi Nwakali, forward Emmanuel Dennis and 2016 Olympics star Sadiq Umar.

All invited players, bar the UK-based crew, are expected to arrive in camp in Abuja on 29^th December, with the UK-based players expected to start arriving on Monday, 3^rd January.

SUPER EAGLES’ SQUAD FOR 33^RD AFCON CAMEROON 2021

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); John Noble (Enyimba FC); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Nwakali (SD Huesca, Spain)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Shabab Riyadh, Saudi Arabia); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England)