– The Super Eagles will begin their Russia 2018 qualifying campaign away to Zambia
– Mikel is expected to lead the squad to Ndola
– Gernot Rohr has promised that his squad will do everything to reach the tournament proper
Super Eagles technical adviser Gernot Rohr has released a list of 23 players invited for the forthcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Matchday 1 clash between Nigeria and Zambia in Ndola.
Super Eagles of Nigeria
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The Franco-German retained belief in the squad that pipped Tanzania 1 – 0 in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Uyo on September 3, but has added Alanyaspor of Turkey defender Kenneth Omeruo, Belgium –based midfielder Anderson Esiti and English Premiership duo Isaac Success and Alex Iwobi.
Skipper Mikel John Obi, assistant skipper Ahmed Musa, goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, defender Elderson Echiejile, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and in-form Manchester City of England forward Kelechi Iheanacho are in the 23-man roster.
Rohr has excused Watford FC forward Odion Ighalo, who will attend his father’s burial in Nigeria on Saturday, October 8, eve of the big match, at the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Injured KAA Gent of Belgium striker Moses Simon is listed after assuring Coach Rohr that he has started treatment and would be fully healed well ahead of the encounter.
All invited players are expected to start arriving in Abuja as from Sunday, 2nd October.
Full list below
Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah)
Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); William Paul Ekong (Haugesund FC, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Jamiu Alimi (Kano Pillars); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Musa Muhammed (Istanbul Basaksehir, Turkey); Elderson Echiejile (Standard Liege, Belgium), Kingsley Madu (SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium).
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Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Nosa Igiebor (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Anderson Esiti (KAA Gent, Belgium)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Isaac Success (Watford FC, England); Brown Ideye (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England)
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