September 30, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named a 23-man squad for the forthcoming double-header Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier fixtures against the Central African Republic (CAR). Three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders, and six strikers make up the roster announced on Thursday morning.
Calvin Bassey of Glasgow Rangers was called up to the Nigerian squad for the first time, with Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi being left out completely. Bassey, a Leicester City Academy product, is one of three Glasgow Rangers players selected for the back-to-back matches, with central midfielder Joe Aribo and central defender Leon Balogun also named.
The 21-year-old, who was born in Aosta, Italy, is eligible to play for the national teams of Italy, England, and Nigeria, but has yet to earn an international cap.
England-based Super Eagles’ players Watford’s William Troost-Ekong, Frank Onyeka of Brentford, Everton’s Alex Iwobi, and Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City are all in contention to add to their international tally after being named to the squad.
The squad for the pair of qualifiers against CAR is composed of:
GOALKEEPERS
Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); 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); Calvin Ughelumba (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)
MIDFIELDERS
Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
FORWARDS
Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
