Nwakali, Osimhen Awoniyi, Ighalo Named In Nigeria’s AFCON Squad

 

Etebo, Kalu, Onuachu, Ebuehi, Bonke Omitted

 

Nigeria on Saturday named a 28-man squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with SD Huesca attacking midfielder Kelechi Nwakali finally getting his much expected chance in the senior national team.

 

The former Golden Eaglets star who captained the U-17 national team to the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph is expected to provide creativity to a team finding it difficult to break down opposing defences.

 

The number of youth internationals who found themselves in the AFCON team wascalso swelled by the addition of Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

 

However missing out on the squad is Watford FC of England midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo who was out injured and is only making a gradual return to fitness with light training sessions.

 

Bordeaux of France winger Samuel Kalu, Genk’s Paul Onuachu, Innocent Binke and Venezia of Italy right back Tyrone Ebuehi were also not included  due to injuries in the list released by the Nigeria Football Federation on Christmas day, December 25.

 

Striker Victor Osimhen is included in the team despite being on the mend from the serious facial injury he sustained in a Serie A game between Napoli and Inter Milan in November.

 

Also on the team after his return to international football caused a furore during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers is Saudi Arabia based experienced campaigner Odion Ighalo.

 

The former Manchester United forward could lead the line with Osimhen and new boy on the block Sadiq Umar making their impacts from the substitutes’ bench in their Group D matches.

 

Aside the few surprise additions and omissions ostensibly due to fitness issues, most of the players in the team were expected to make the cut.