Osimhen makes AFCON list as Eguavoen names 28-man list


Victor Osimhen will feature in his second Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon next month.

This is confirmed as interim manager Augustine Eguavoen announced Nigeria's final squad for the 33rd AFCON starting on 9th January. 

Osimhen, who played only one match as a substitute in Nigeria's third placed match in Egypt 2019, has been missing for his club, Napoli since last month when he suffered facial injuries and a damaged eye socket during a Serie A derby against Inter Milan. 

Due to return to action in three months. the 22-year-old however recovered faster than projected and resumed individual training a fortnight ago.

Also in the squad is returnee, Odion Ighalo, the top scorer at Egypt 2019 with five goals, who had earlier retired from the team. He however made a sensational come-back in the close matches of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying group stage last month.

With just two weeks to the tournament, the Director of Communication of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire released the list of Nigerians for the 33rd edition of the African premier sports competition on Saturday.

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, 11th 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.

Eguavoen apparently has an attacking philosophy going into Cameroon 2021. 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 FIFA World Cup-winning captain Kelechi Nwakali, forward Emmanuel Dennis and 2016 Olympics star Sadiq Umar.

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

SUPER EAGLES’ SQUAD FOR 33RD 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).

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