CSKA Striker Expecting Phone Call From Rohr, Uncertainty Over Iwobi's Availability

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that CSKA Moscow striker Aaron Samuel has not been contacted by either the Nigeria Football Federation or Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr over a late call-up to the national team for their World Cup qualifier against Zambia next Saturday.

Speculation is rife that Alex Iwobi may withdraw from the squad announced this week after picking up an injury, and a top source close to the Arsenal starlet, Emmanuel Okocha, could not confirm his nephew's availability for the match when contacted by this website.

Aaron Samuel says he's ready to travel to Uyo at short notice if he is invited by the Nigeria Football Federation.

The 23-year-old was surprisingly omitted from CSKA Moscow's match day squad against Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday, but is expected to make the 18 against Sylvester Igboun's Ufa on Sunday.

Samuel's last appearance for the Super Eagles was against Chad in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on June 13, 2015.

The three remaining outfield players - Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Afeez Aremu and Tyronne Ebuehi - named on Nigeria's standby list are not attack-minded players, meaning Samuel is the favourite to get the nod from Rohr if he decides to call up a replacement for Iwobi.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel