Super Eagles’ Camp To Open On March 21 For World Cup Qualifier

Nigeria will on March 21st commence preparations for this month’s 2022 World Cup qualifier against Ghana, with a total of 32 players named in a list of invitees, but only 24 expected to be present.

Megasportsarena.com reports that this follows the official release of the squad’s ‘provisional’ roster by interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, ahead of the first leg billed for Cape Coast, Ghana on March 25th.

Aside those named in the full roster, seven others, led by Alayanspor of Turkey defender, Chidozie Awaziem and Jamilu Collins from SC Padeborn 07 of Germany, were placed on standby.

They are joined by Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany); Paul Ebere Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Praha, Czech Republic); and Eddy Ogenyi Onazi (Al-Adalah FC, Saudi Arabia).

A press statement by the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), however, revealed that the list will be cut to a final roll call of 24 players for the two big games and the cut roster will be released at a later date.

The statement added: Nigeria take on Ghana in the 20,000 –capacity Cape Coast Sports Stadium as from 7.30pm on Friday 25th March, with the reverse leg set for Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, 29th March as from 6pm.

The winner over two legs will earn one of Africa’s five tickets to the 22nd FIFA World Cup finals, scheduled for 14th November – 18th December this year in Qatar.

FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Calvin Bassey (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal).

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Akinkunmi Amoo (FC Copenhagen, Denmark).

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); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England); Ademola Lookman (Leicester City, England).