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UD Almeria of Spain striker, Umar Sadiq has received a shock opportunity to star st the Africa Cup of Nations, following the inclusion of his name in Nigeria’s list for the continental soccer showpiece.
Megasportsarena.com reports that Sadiq’s name is among a couple of surprises provided by Super Eagles’ interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen in Nigeria’s final squad list to the impending competition in Cameroon.
Also in the final cut of 28 players that have formally made the roster for the upcoming AFCON, ahead of which Nigeria’s camp opens January 29 in Abuja, is Chile 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup winning captain, Kelechi Nwakali, who now plays for UDS Huesca of Spain.
The biggest surprise, though, is the inclusion of largely unknown Olisa Ndah, who is credited with a spot at Orlando Pirates of South Africa, but his shock invitation is already raising eyebrows among critics.
Ndah controversially makes the cut at the expense of Glasgow Rangers of Scotland’s fast-rising left-back, Calvin Ugbeghulam Bassey, who has filled in perfectly for injured Leon Aderemi Balogun in recent matches for The Gers.
Incidentally, while Racing Genk of Belgium striker, Paul Ebere Onuachu’s place has apparently been taken by Sadiq due to his current battles with injury, recuperating Balogun and SSC Napoli of Italy star, Victor Osimhen are both included despite their ongoing proceses of rehabilitation.
Also included are Taiwo Awoniyi from union Berlin of Germany and last year’s AFCON top scorer, Odion Jude Ighalo from Al-Shabab of Saudi Arabia, but there is no place for Henry Onyekuru, Cyriel Dessers, Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo (Simy) and Samuel Kalu among the forwards.
Those who failed to make cut in the defence line include former Germany youth international, Kevin Akpoguma as well as Tyronne Ebuehi from Venezia of Italy and Semi Ajayi from West Bromwich Albion in England, while Innocent Bonke and Anayo Nwanah miss out in midfield.
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