Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi and Rotherham United defender Semi Ajayi were among the first arrivals in the Super Eagles’ camp in Asaba on Monday as the countdown began for Friday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Pirates of Seychelles and the international friendly against Egypt next Tuesday.
China-based striker Odion Ighalo has also arrived at the Asaba camp, which already has goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi, as well as home-based stars Ikouwem Utin, Ndifreke Effiong and Valentine Ozornwafor.
Coach Gernor Rohr called up 23 players for the two matches, with Utin and Effiong joining the squad as a result of injuries to Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu and Torino’s Ola Aina.
The majority of the invited players are expected in camp on Tuesday (today).
Three-time African champions Nigeria have already booked their place at the Africa Cup of Nations holding in Egypt this summer, thus making the encounter against the Pirates a mere formality.
But the Eagles have spoken of a need to end the qualification series on a high and maintain their reputation, while using the game to kick-start preparations for the AFCON.
They take on the Pirates at the Stephen Keshi Stadium as from 4pm on Friday.
- Punch
