Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has invited 30 home-based players for training as the Nigeria Football Federation emphasizes its commitment to qualifying the Super Eagles B team for the upcoming African Nations Championship finals.
The 8th edition of the tournament, exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues under standard contracts, is set to take place in February 2025 across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Among the notable players invited is the experienced midfielder Rabiu Ali from Kano Pillars, who has made a significant impact this season with eight goals. He is joined by Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United’s defender Steven Mayo, and the promising forward Sunday Megwo from Abia Warriors.
Additional players include Enyimba FC’s goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, wing-back Ismail Sadiq from Remo Stars, Kazeem Ogunleye from Enugu Rangers, and Anas Yusuf, a forward from Nasarawa United.
The squad also sees the inclusion of Nasarawa United’s Victor Collins and Adamu Abubakar from Plateau United, both of whom were previously called up for last month’s AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
All selected players are expected to report to the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, as they prepare for the crucial first leg of the qualification fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars B, scheduled for December 22 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The second leg will be held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on December 28.
Historically, Ghana has presented challenges for Nigeria, having prevented the Super Eagles from reaching the African Nations Championship finals in both 2009 and 2023. In past encounters, Nigeria faced setbacks despite strong starts, and they are determined to turn the tide in this upcoming qualification series.
Below Are The 30 Home Based Players Eguavoen Invited For Training
Goalkeepers:
– Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC)
– Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
– Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)
Defenders:
– Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars)
– Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City)
– Imo Obot (Enyimba FC)
– Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United)
– Junior Nduka (Remo Stars)
– Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)
– Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)
– Steven Mayo (Rivers United)
Midfielders:
– Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars)
– Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
– Saviour Isaac (Rangers International)
– Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)
– Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United)
– Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
– Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)
Forwards:
– Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)
– Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United)
– Osy Martins (Lobi Stars)
– Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)
– Temitope Vincent (Plateau United)
– Samuel Ogunleye (3SC)
– Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars)
– Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance)
– Ngbemena Ikechukwu (Heartland FC)
– Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors)
– Umar Al-Amin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors)
– Adams Aminu Sani (Kano Pillars)