Super Eagles Head Coach, José Santos Peseiro, has named a squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Monrovia, Liberia.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that notable players, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, captain Ahmed Musa, defender William Ekong, and midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, have received invitations for the clash.
Leading the pack of strikers is the sensational Victor Osimhen, who has been in exceptional form for SSC Napoli this season, netting an impressive 31 goals in all competitions. Osimhen’s remarkable performance contributed significantly to Napoli clinching their first Serie A title in 33 years and securing a spot in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Joining him in the forward line is Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze, who was honored as the Best African Player of La Liga for the 2022/2023 season.
The defensive lineup features the likes of William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. In the midfield, the experienced duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka will provide stability and creativity. The roster is completed by forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho, as well as home-based goalkeepers Victor Sochima and Olorunleke Ojo. Additionally, the inclusion of Rivers United defender Ebube Duru and Bendel Insurance FC midfielder Divine Nwachukwu adds depth to the squad.
With nine points from four matches, the Super Eagles currently sit atop their qualification group. Close behind are Guinea Bissau’s Wild Dogs with seven points. The Leone Stars, who caused an upset by defeating Peseiro’s team 2-1 in Abuja during the opening match of the qualification series, are in third place with five points. Sao Tome and Principe, who will face the Super Eagles in the final game of the series in September, is at the bottom of the table with just one point.
The highly anticipated clash between Nigeria and Sierra Leone is scheduled to take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia on Sunday, 18 June.
The Invited Players are:
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)
