In preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Monrovia, Coach José Santos Peseiro has invited several key players to join the Nigerian national team.
Among them are captain Ahmed Musa, goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye, defender William Ekong, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and forward Moses Simon. Notably, the in-form forward Victor James Osimhen, who has been exceptional for SSC Napoli this season with 31 goals in all competitions, leads the list of strikers.
Osimhen’s remarkable performances have earned him recognition, including the National Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) from the Nigerian government and a special ball and jersey from FIFA.
The squad also includes home-based goaltenders Victor Sochima and Olorunleke Ojo, as well as defenders Ebube Duru and midfielders Divine Nwachukwu. Other defenders in the roster are William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, along with forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Kelechi Iheanacho, complete the 23-man selection.
Currently, the Super Eagles lead their qualification group with nine points from four matches, followed by Guinea Bissau’s Wild Dogs with seven points. The Leone Stars, who previously challenged the Eagles in Abuja but were defeated 2-1, hold five points. Sao Tome and Principe, the final opponent in the series in September, are at the bottom with only one point.
The match between Nigeria and Sierra Leone will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia on Sunday, June 18. Sierra Leone is hosting the match in Monrovia since they don’t have any approved stadium for international matches in their own country.
ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:
Goalkeepers: Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel); Victor Sochima (Rivers United); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)
Defenders: William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Calvin Bassey (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany); Chidiebube Duru (Rivers United); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)
Midfielders: Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Divine Nwachukwu (Bendel Insurance); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
Forwards: Moses Simon (Nantes FC, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey)
