Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi’s absence from the games against Central African Republic (CAR, was blamed for Eagles’ loss in Lagos
By Kehinde Okeowo
Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi have returned to the Super Eagles’ line up for the encounters against Liberia and Cape Verde.
They were conspicuously missing in the double header against Central African Republic (CAR) and Gernot Rohr acknowledged their absence contributed to Eagles loss to CAR in Lagos.
Rohr has now invited Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and 22 other players to prosecute the last two FIFA World Cup African qualifying games in Group C
Nigeria currently lead the group with 9 points after winning 3 games and losing one of the four games they have played so far.
Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, are expected to add the needed experience and skill to the team, which had some difficulties in prosecuting the last two games.
The list of invited players include team captain Ahmed Musa, Deputy captain William Ekong, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobu and 20 others.
The gaffer also extended an invitation to 2019 Africa Cup of Nations’ top scorer Odion Ighalo, who announced his retirement from the international game following that AFCON feat in Egypt.
The Super Eagles will play the Lone Star of Liberia in Morocco on Saturday, 13th November, before flying into Lagos to play for the Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday, 16th November.
The Eagles need the three points against the Liberians in Morocco’s principal northern city to continue to remain at the top of Group C.
A win against the Blue Sharks three days later at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, will ultimately guarantee the second round ticket for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria is aiming to join Morocco and Senegal who are the only teams in the next round after four games
Full list: EAGLES FOR LONE STAR & BLUE SHARKS
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); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Shabab Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)