Eight Nigeria Professional Football League players, including first and second league top scorers Ishaq Rafiu and Victor Mbaoma, have been handed call-ups for Super Eagles’ international friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States on May 28 and June 2.
The players include goalkeepers Adewale Adeyinka (Akwa United), Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba); defenders Isa Ali (Remo Stars), İbrahim Buhari (Plateau United); midfielders Chiamaka Madu (Rivers United), Babatunde Nosiru (Kwara United) as well as forwards Mbaoma (Enyimba) and Ishaq (Rivers United).
The 30-man list for the friendlies was compiled by Eagles’ first assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf.
The list also included overseas-based stars captain Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Joe Aribo, while Everton’s Alex Iwobi and in-form striker Cyriel Dessers staged a return to the squad, but Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen were dropped.
The friendly serves as preparations for the country’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The three-time African champions clash with CONCACAF powerhouses Mexico at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas May 28, before flying to New Jersey to tackle Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison June 2.
Reacting to the inclusion of NPFL players on the list, Shooting Stars forward, Wasiu Alalade, said, “This is huge because it’s not a CHAN team but the main squad. I hope this continues.”
Rivers United captain Festus Austin added, “I’m sure the invitation will go a long way in motivating the local league players. Indeed, it’s a huge encouragement to the league and its pool of talent. This will also create a healthy competition amongst players in the NPFL.”
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