Nigeria Squad: Augustine Eguavoen names 28-man squad for AFCON 2021
Nigeria head coach Augustine Eguavoen has revealed his squad for the rescheduled 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, which is due to hold in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6.
The squad comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and ten forwards.
Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah is among three shock inclusions in the squad — the others being Almeria forward Sadiq Umar and Huesca midfielder Kelechi Nwakali.
Ndah, who moved to Pirates shortly after helping Akwa United capture their first league title in August, made his Super Eagles debut in July in a friendly against Mexico.
His inclusion in the team will leave many surprised, given that he has not been involved in the national team settings since the test game against the Mexicans.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen — despite only returning to training a week ago following a nasty injury — has made the cut, but fellow Serie A frontmen David Okereke, Isaac Success and Simeon Nwankwo are all left out.
The most high-profile exclusion is undoubtedly Paul Onuachu, who has scored twice in his last two appearances for Genk.
Al Shabab striker Odion Ighalo, whose recall to the team for the last World Cup Qualifying match against Cape Verde attracted widespread criticism, is named in the squad and so has Fatih Karagümrük winger Ahmed Musa.
Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis and Union Berlin centre forward Taiwo have been rewarded for brilliant club forms.
The Full List
Goalkeepers
Maduka Okoye
Francis Uzoho
Daniel Akpeyi
John Noble
Defenders
Ola Aina
Chidozie Awaziem
Olisa Ndah
William Troost-Ekong
Leon Balogun
Kenneth Omeruo
Jamilu Collins
Zaidu Sanusi
Abdullahi Shehu
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi
Frank Onyeka
Chidera Ejuke
Kelechi Nwakali
Joe Aribo
Forwards
Kelechi Iheanacho
Victor Osimhen
Moses Simon
Odion Ighalo
Samuel Chukwueze
Sadiq Umar
Alex Iwobi
Ahmed Musa
Emmanuel Dennis
Taiwo Awoniyi