Michael Babatunde Handed International Lifeline As Mikel,Musa Are Excused

Raja Casablanca midfielder Michael Babatunde has been called up to the Super Eagles squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Mali (May 27) and Luxembourg (June 1)

The ex-FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk was handed an invitation after the Nigeria Football Federation excused Obi Mikel (Chelsea) and Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow) from the games so both players can take part in Joseph Yobo’s testimonial which will hold on the same date the national team will face Mali in France.

Babatunde, 23, has been in the international wilderness for close to a year, with ex-coach Sunday Oliseh preferring players who turn out for teams in the major leagues in Europe.

He last appeared for Nigeria on June 13, 2015, lasting 62 minutes in the 2-0 win against Chad in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.

There are no question marks regarding the invitation of Babatunde as he has caught the eye since joining Raja Casablanca in January 2016.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : Raja Casablanca