We’ll bring Super Eagles back to Lagos – Prince Adeboye

The clamour of Soccer loving Nigerians for a return of the Super Eagles to play its matches in Lagos, would soon become a reality.

According to Prince Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant on Sports to Lagos State Governor, the state government, through the state sports commission have embarked upon massive renovations and constructions of sports facilities across the state.

Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye Senior Special Assistant to The Governor Of Lagos On Sports

Speaking in an interview with journalists on Nigeria Sports Centre WhatsApp group, the affable sports administrator and President of Lagos based amateur side, Smart City football club, stated that the government is determined and committed to the provision and improvement of sports facilities in the state. He added that it points to the plan to make Lagos State regain its pride of place as the leader in sports in the country.

“We remain committed to improving sports facilities across different parts of the state. We understand the importance of using sports to empower, encourage and of course, take the youths off the streets.

” Already, work has started at Teslim Balogun Stadium and the Onikan Stadium, which has been rebuilt to a world class facility,” he quipped.

On the desires of football fans to see the Super Eagles back to Lagos, he restated that it would become a reality, as the state sports commission and other relevant agencies are working around the clock to improve on the stadiums and raise it to international standards.

Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye Senior Special Assistant To The Governor Of Lagos State

“I can assure you that our amiable and hardworking governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is equally committed to the development of sports in the state. He is a sports lover. And I can confirm that he is also desirous to see the Super Eagles return to play its matches in Lagos.

“Remember the good old days of Nigerian football. The national stadium in Surulere, Lagos, was home to the various Nigerian national teams. We have defeated several top teams and also won many titles at that famous stadium. I want to reassure soccer fans that those sweet days would return soon,” he enthused confidently.

Akeem Busari

Pinnick Praises FG’s Efforts To Contain COVID-19 Pandemic

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has lauded the efforts of the Federal Government in containing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, describing measures taken so far as “effective and re-assuring”.

On a breakfast programme on Arise TV on Monday, Pinnick said: “I want to commend the Federal Government for the efforts so far in tackling this pandemic. The Government’s strategy across all the States of the Federation has paid off and it is incumbent on all of us citizens to join the global army to fight this virus off the planet Earth.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick

“On our part at the NFF. We are working with stakeholders, taking a cue from (world football –governing body) FIFA to intervene in certain areas.

“As an individual, I have a foundation by the name Brownhill Foundation, which has taken measures to support what the Government is doing, but we don’t want to talk about this. We are doing what we can in Delta and Lagos States and some other places.”

On the impact of the pandemic on the Nigeria football sector, with the game having been shut down since 19th March 2020, Pinnick stated: “We will sit down with our (official premium) partners AITEO with regards to the AITEO Cup competition, to see how we can still put this year’s edition together.

“There is also the AITEO/NFF Awards (in its third edition). This year’s edition is meant to celebrate the Super Falcons. We have plans to celebrate them but we don’t know how to go about it. So, we will sit down with our sponsors to figure things out.”

On the ad-hoc committee set up by the football–ruling body to investigate the death of Nasarawa United FC player Chineme Martins and recommend appropriate safety, security and medical measures in the interest of the domestic game, Pinnick disclosed that the panel has finished its field work. “The committee has worked to an appreciable level; done with its report. The members have done a great job in a short time and I must commend them.

“I am however, worried that the family of the late player has so far refused to give the go-ahead for autopsy to be done on the corpse.”

While stating that the football body has stayed in contact with overseas–based players of the National Teams and can assure that they are all doing well at this delicate time, Pinnick declared that the body has given Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Mr. Gernot Rohr some conditions for the renewal of his contract.

Super Eagles Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr
photo credit: @TheNFF

“We have told him (Rohr) he must live in Nigeria, and that his salary will be paid in Naira (the Nigeria currency). He must go round League venues and see how he can nurture the players. If he is able to accept, we have a deal.

“We will seek legal opinions on international coaches’ contracts. We shall also seek the opinion of the Sports Ministry. He should get the contract (with the new conditions) in about a week’s time so that he can revert after studying it.”

COVID-19: Nwankwo Kanu Prays For Better and Healthier World…Cautions Nigerians Not To Panic

Nigerian and African football legend, Nwankwo Kanu, has expressed optimism that the world would come out better and stronger from the deadly Corona virus pandemic currently ravaging the world.

The former Super Eagles captain and Arsenal star, while speaking with journalists remarked that the present health situation in the world is a phase that would soon fade away. According to the ex- Inter Milan striker, the Covid-19 pandemic is another opportunity for people of the world to become closer to God, be more humane and also appreciate each other.

“This is the first time in recent decades that the whole world is experiencing a near total shutdown not for warfare, but due to health issues. It shows how feeble and panicky we are as human beings.

“Did you ever thought that sports could be shutdown all over the world? That we won’t be able to play or watch the beautiful game of football? This is a time for sober reflections and of course, a reapraisal our lives as human beings,” he admonished.

Nwankwo Kanu

Nwankwo Kanu, who is also the president of the fast spreading and biggest football academy in West Africa, the Kanu International Football Academy (KIFA), went ahead to advise Nigerians not to panic and rush into heating up the atmosphere with panicky actions.

“We should not panic. Let’s take things easy and cautiously, by following the health tips on how to avoid or treat the virus. By the grace of God, we shall surely overcome this challenge,” Kanu advised.

Akeem Busari

Rohr Calls Musa, Ekong, Omeruo, 21 Others For Leone Stars…Iheanacho Returns; Dessers, Ehizibue Are First-Timers

Technical Adviser Gernor Rohr has listed team captain Ahmed Musa, vice captain William Ekong and veteran defender Kenneth Omeruo in his 24-man Super Eagles’ roster for the quick-double 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone this month.

There are also goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, defenders Leon Balogun and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forwards Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen in the list of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders and eight forwards.

Super Eagles Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr
photo credit: @TheNFF

Germany–based defender Kingsley Ehizibue, on the books of FC Koln, and Hollan –based forward Cyril Dessers have been called up for the first time, while England –based former U17 World Cup winner Kelechi Iheanacho returns to the fold.

Nigeria, on maximum six points from their first two matches of the campaign and in somewhat comfortable lead in their pool, host the Leone Stars at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Friday, 27th March, before flying to Freetown to confront the Stars at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in the return four days later.

All invited players, as well as technical and administrative officials, are to report in the Delta State capital on Monday, 23rd March.

Victory in both games will virtually guarantee Nigeria a spot at the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Cameroon early next year, ahead of their away clash to Benin Republic in Porto Novo in June and home tie against Lesotho early September.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles Training
photo credit: @NGsupereagles

24 EAGLES FOR LEONE STARS’ BATTLES

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Wigan Athletic, England); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kingsley Ehizibue (FC Koln, Germany)

Midfielders: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Etebo Oghenekaro (Getafe FC, Spain); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Ramon Azeez (Granada FC, Spain)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia); Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Cyril Dessers (Heracles Almelo, The Netherlands); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France)

2022 World Cup: Eagles To Face Cape Verde, Others in Qualifying Campaign

Six–time finalists Nigeria have been drawn to square up against Cape Verde, Central African Republic and Liberia in the penultimate round of the qualifying race for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar.

At a simple but colourful ceremony inside The Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday evening, conducted by CAF’s Director of Competitions Samson Adamu, Ivorian Clementine Toure and 1998 FIFA World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, the 40 teams remaining in the race on the African continent were drawn into 10 groups of four teams each, with Nigeria heading Group C.

Super Eagles at training

Just like they will fly westward twice in their remaining campaign for a place at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Freetown, Sierra Leone and Cotonou, Benin Republic), the Eagles will fly westward twice in the race to Qatar (Praia, Cape Verde and Monrovia, Liberia).

Nigeria’s first game, coming up in October this year, will be against the Lone Star of Liberia, who reached this stage after shoving neighbours Sierra Leone in the first round.

African champions Algeria head Group A and will have two interesting games against the Etalons of Burkina Faso, with Niger Republic and Djibouti also in the pool.

Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles head Group B which also has Zambia, Mauritania and Equatorial Guinea, but the presence of Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire in Group D makes that pool most interesting. They are joined by Mozambique and Malawi.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles Training In Egypt
photo credit: @NGsupereagles

Meanwhile, Group E looks the most evenly set, with Mali, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda –none of which had been to the FIFA World Cup previously.

Group G is also mouth-watering, as Ghana, quarter finalists at the only FIFA World Cup finals to have been hosted on African soil, face the country that hosted that finals in 2010, South Africa, as well as Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

Certainly, Group J is similarly something to savour, as Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin Republic and Madagascar are joined by Tanzania.

Each of the 40 teams will play two matches each towards the end of this year, with the remaining four matches coming up next year. The third and final round of the qualifiers will see the 10 winners of the pools drawn into five explosive home-and-away fixtures that will produce Africa’s flag-bearers in Qatar. Those knockout games come up in November 2021.

 

Super Eagles group photo ahead 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

GROUP A

Algeria

Burkina Faso

Niger Republic

Djibouti

 

GROUP B

Tunisia

Zambia

Mauritania

Equatorial Guinea

 

GROUP C

Nigeria

Cape Verde

Cemtral African Republic

Liberia

 

GROUP D

Cameroon

Cote d’Ivoire

Mozambique

Malawi

 

GROUP E

Mali

Uganda

Kenya

Rwanda

 

GROUP F

Egypt

Gabon

Libya

Angola

 

GROUP G

Ghana

South Africa

Zimbabwe

Ethiopia

 

GROUP H

Senegal

Congo

Namibia

Togo

 

GROUP I

Morocco

Guinea

Guinea Bissau

Sudan

 

GROUP J

DR Congo

Benin Republic

Madagascar

Tanzania

Nigeria’s Super Eagles Land in Maseru, Ready To Fly over Crocodiles

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have landed in the capital of Lesotho, Maseru for Sunday’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against that country’s senior team, known as Crocodiles.

The Crocodiles themselves have just returned from Freetown, where they earned an inspiring point in a 1-1 draw with the Leone Stars on Day 1 of the campaign on Wednesday.

On the same day, the Super Eagles edged Benin Republic 2-1 in an intense encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo to go top of the qualifying pool. France –based duo of Victor Osimhen (from the spot) and Samuel Kalu (angled low drive) secured the win for Nigeria after the Squirrels had taken a second minute lead through Stephane Sessegnon.

The chartered Max Air aircraft that flew the delegation had a stop-over in Angola but safely arrived in Maseru on Saturday afternoon, and players and officials were immediately ferried to their Avani Lesotho hotel.

Nigeria were scheduled to have the official training at the match venue – Maseru-Setsoto Stadium – at 7pm Lesotho time (6pm in Nigeria) on Saturday.

Sunday’s encounter will kick off at 6pm Lesotho time (5pm in Nigeria), and it is exactly one year to the day that the Super Eagles secured a 1-1 draw with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Johannesburg to grab a ticket to this year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt, where they finished third and with the bronze medals.

Team doctor Ibrahim Gyaran confirmed that there are no injuries within the 23–man playing body.

The Confederation of African Football has named 41–year old Botswanan official, Joshua Bondo as the referee, with Bondo’s compatriots Meshack Medupi, Mogomotsi Morakile and Tshepo Mokani Gobagoba as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.

Johannes Jakob Vries from Namibia will serve as match commissioner while South African Carlos Henriques will be referee assessor.

Super Eagles
photo credit: @NGSuperEagles

23 EAGLES IN LESOTHO

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Ifeanyi Anaemena (Enyimba FC)

Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Mikel Agu (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Ramon Azeez (Granada FC, Spain)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Emmanuel Dennis (Club Brugge, Belgium); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France)

Eagles Begin 2021 AFCON Race with 2-1 Win Over Squirrels

Nigeria picked all three points in a hard–fought 2-1 win over Benin Republic as the group phase of the qualifying campaign for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations began on Wednesday.

The Squirrels shocked the modest crowd at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in south-south Nigeria as Stephane Sessegnon swept home after only two minutes, following Jodel Dossou’s brilliant run from the flank that left Jamilu Collins in no man’s land.

Two minutes later, Benin Republic came knocking again and would have made it two from a corner kick if not for some spirited defending as goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was again exposed.

From then, it was Nigeria all the way, with goalkeeper Fabon Famolle having to stretch full length to parry Ola Aina’s low drive in the 13th minute, and then saving from Victor Osimhen four minutes later.

Samuel Kalu’s 22–yard free kick was way above the bar on the half hour, and four minutes from recess, Samuel Chukwueze saw his smart shot from a brilliant team move clip the crossbar with Famolle rooted to one spot. A minute later, Kalu could not get to the ball to connect Osimhen’s pull-out, but in the 45th minute, roving Ola Aina was upended in the visitors’ box in another raid by Nigeria and Senegalese referee Issa Sy had no choice than to give a penalty, which Osimhen tucked away for the equaliser.

In the second period, the Eagles were even more business-like, as Alex Iwobi, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and Wilfred Ndidi tightened the midfield and gave good support for Chukwueze and Kalu to bear down on the opposition from the wings.

In the 47th minute, a snap shot by Iwobi sailed narrowly over the bar; Famolle had to parry fierce shots from Aribo and Osimhen and; in the 62nd minute, Samuel Kalu danced his way past a sea of legs and drove the ball low and fast beyond the groping hands of Famolle for Nigeria’s second goal.

Four minutes later, Famolle had to be alert to tip over the bar another stinging shot from Kalu and then saved from the same player in the 71st minute as Nigeria launched onslaught after onslaught.

However, the Squirrels could have been level in the 73rd minute but Dossou rocked the crossbar from a fast break. Two minutes later, Semi Ajayi came close as he connected a free kick by Kalu.

Super Eagles of Nigeria
©Kabiru Abubakar/fotodezamora

Substitute Moses Simon nearly made it three with a fierce shot in the 80th minute that Famolle was lucky to parry away, but the Squirrels also had a chance to equalise, only for William Ekong to intervene decisively just as the trigger was about to be pulled in added time.

Victory took Nigeria top of their qualifying group, with Sierra Leone and Lesotho ending their encounter in Freetown 1-1 to share the spoils.

Next up for the Super Eagles is a clash with Likuena (Crocodiles) of Lesotho in Day 2 of the qualifying campaign, at the Maseru-Setsoto Stadium on Sunday, 17th November.

Ahmed Musa, Ekong, 21 Others Picked For Super Eagles Games versus Benin and Lesotho

Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has empaneled his squad for next month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Lesotho, with Captain Ahmed Musa back after injury and midfielder Ramon Azeez retained after seeing action in this month’s 1-1 draw with five –time world champions Brazil in Singapore.

Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is called for the first time since the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt this year summer – first choice Francis Uzoho is out for several months after his horrific injury against Brazil – and defender Kenneth Omeruo is also back, while there is another opportunity for midfielder Mikel Agu to flow back to the mainstream.

Super Eagles at training

France –based utility player Samuel Kalu returns after missing the prestige friendly against Brazil. England –based midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo is on standby as a result of his injury and is being monitored.

Nigeria, who won the bronze medals in Egypt, open their campaign for a place in Cameroon 2021 by welcoming the Squirrels of Benin Republic (who also featured in Egypt) to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Wednesday, 13th November, before flying to Maseru to play Lesotho’s Crocodiles on Sunday, 17th November, on Day Two of the qualifying series.

23 EAGLES TO BATTLE BENIN REPUBLIC & LESOTHO

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Mikel Agu (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Ramon Azeez (Granada FC, Spain)

during the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup match between Nigeria v Iceland on the 22nd June 2018 at Volgograd Arena ,Russia

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Emmanuel Dennis (Club Brugge, Belgium); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France);

Standby: Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City, England)

Ukraine Force Nigeria’s Super Eagles to 2-2 draw In Dnipro

A relatively “new-breed Super Eagles” team came close to bringing down Ukraine’s ‘Blue and Yellow’ at the Dnipro Arena on Tuesday before suffering loss of concentration that saw Ukraine tie the game 2-2 with two goals in 45 seconds.

Debutant Joseph Ayodele-Aribo put the seal on a frenetic beginning at the 31,000 –capacity venue when he cleverly connected home a cross by Alex Iwobi after great work by Samuel Kalu had left the Ukrainian defence in tatters. In the event, the Glasgow Rangers FC of Scotland forward became the 60th player to score right on international debut for Nigeria.

Two minutes later, Samuel Chukwueze drove into the home team’s vital area but saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. In the 12th minute, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho read the Ukrainian foremen well enough to intercept what would have been a dangerous situation.

Halfway into the half, Nigeria should have made it two as Iwobi’s chip found Ayodele-Aribo, who connected with a diving header that took all of Lunin’s awareness to push over the bar. From the corner, Osimhen headed powerfully towards goal but Lunin again thwarted. Eleven minutes later, the Eagles were two goals up, as Osimhen lashed into the far corner from the penalty spot after Samuel Kalu was upended in the box.

In the 42nd minute, Uzoho made a terrific double save from Oleksandr Zinchenko, and three minutes later Iwobi could not really find Osimhen to make it three as Nigeria swept forward once more.

In the second half, Iwobi wasted a glorious chance in the 48th minute as he dragged his shot too wide of Lunin’s post when clear on goal, and four minutes later, Nigeria should have been given a second penalty as Kalu was hacked in the box.

Semi Ajayi made a decisive touch to deny Victor Kovalenko and Roman Yaremchuk in the 57th minute, just after Chukwueze sold his pass too long to Osimhen who lurked in the other end’s vital area. Two minutes later, a brilliant solo run by Chukwueze ended with him once more placing the ball too wide of goal, with Lunin flat-footed.

Andriy Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk, Zinchenko, Viktor Tsygankov and Mykola Matvyenko all made efforts to break down the Nigerian defence with no luck. Just after the hour, Uzoho showed why he should have been the one in goal for Nigeria at the Cup of Nations in Egypt, when he punched away a 20 –yard free kick that was all too similar to the one Riyad Mahrez buried for Algeria in the AFCON semi final.

However, the home team got lucky in the 78th minute, as the dangerous Zinchenko got behind the defence and shot past Uzoho.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles
photo credit: @NGSupereagles

Right from the kick-off after the goal, loss of concentration handed the advantage to the home team, and Yaremchuk got the ball past Uzoho, though he appeared to have scored with the hand and the effort should have been ruled off.

On the dot of 90 minutes, Uzoho punched away another fierce, 20-yard free kick.

Despite the draw, Nigeria’s game breathed youth, vitality, pace, creativity, organization, quick recovery, brilliant transition and confidence. They really should have won, with a little more selflessness and precision in front of goal.

Rohr Calls Musa, Omeruo, 21 Others For Ukraine Friendly

Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has called up 23 players for the Super Eagles’ international friendly with the Senior National Team of Ukraine scheduled for Dnipro Arena on Tuesday, 10th September, with Saudi Arabia-based Skipper Ahmed Musa at the head of the roster.

Tyronne Ebuehi, who missed the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals where Nigeria won bronze due to injury, has been recalled after recovering from injury, and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi Kelechi Iheanacho, cut from the roster just before the AFCON, have been told to fly to Ukraine.

England–based duo Alex Iwobi and Iheanacho have been listed in midfield roles. Germany –based goalkeeper Emil Maduka Okoye has been invited for the first time, as Scotland –based midfielder Joe Aribo, but there is no place for South Africa –based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.

Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun and Jamilu Collins, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo and forwards Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru and Samuel Chukwueze have also been called.

Ukraine is ranked number 25 on the FIFA ranking while Nigeria is 33rd.

Super Eagles at training

23 EAGLES FOR UKRAINE FRIENDLY

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Emil Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Tyronne Ebuehi (FC Benfica, Portugal); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Rotherham United, England)

Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Joe Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain); Henry Onyekuru (AS Monaco, France); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjyland, Denmark); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain)