AFCON Qualifier: Rohr announce 23-man Nigeria squad against Seychelles

Coach Gernot Rohr has announced his 23-man Nigeria squad for September’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles.

Injured John Obi Mikel was expectedly missing, while there was no place for Elderson Echiejile as the German tactician stuck to most of the players who featured at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.

Porto B’s Kelechi Nwakali has been handed a chance to justify his claim for a place in Super Eagles’ midfield.

However, Kaduna-born SC Paderborn left-back Jamilu Collins and former Arsenal rookie, Semi Ajayi were handed their maiden call-ups with the quartet of Uche Agbo, Stephen Eze, FC Luzern striker Blessing Eleke and Musa Mohammed placed on standby.

The three-time African champions made a false start in the qualifying series – bowing 2-0 to South Africa in Uyo – and they must negotiate their way past the Pirates to resurrect their chances of qualifying for Cameroon 2019.

Meanwhile, Rohr has disclosed that his assistant, Salisu Yusuf, who is under investigations for bribery will not be part of the team for the September 8 showdown.

SQUAD IN FULL

GOALKEEPERS: Francis Uzoho, Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechuwu Ezenwa

DEFENDERS: Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Bryan Idowu, Ola Aina, Jamiu Collins, Semiu Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo

MIDFIELDERS: Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi, Joel Obi, John Ogu, Karo Etebo, Kelechi Nwakali

FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, Simy Nwankwo, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Samuel Kalu, Kelechi Iheanacho

STANDBY: Uche Agbo Stephen Eze Blessing Eleke Musa Mohammed