DR Congo Name Afobe, Bolasie, Kakuta In Squad To Face Nigeria As Pinnick Confirms Friendly

Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has confirmed that the Super Eagles friendly against Democratic Republic of Congo on May 28 in Port Harcourt is still on despite suggestions that it will be cancelled due to a fresh outbreak of Ebola in the Central African country.

The Ebola outbreak started more than five weeks ago and has claimed 18 lives, including one health care worker.

Pinnick has stated that there are measures that will be taken by the Nigerian Federation in partnership with the Health Ministry when the Congolese delegation arrives in Nigeria. 

''It is in a very remote village in Congo, besides 98 percent of their players are foreign-based players, they are flying in,'' Pinnick told Channels Television.

''They will fly into Port Harcourt at 6pm on the 25th of this month, three days to the march. The airplane will wait for them and take them back.

''Officially just to be cautious, we have written to the Ministry of Health to give us cover, before they leave and arrive they will test them just to take extra precaution.''

Meanwhile, the Fédération Congolaise de Football-Association (FECOFA) has announced a 32-man provisional roster for the trip to Port Harcourt and ex-Arsenal schoolboy Benik Afobe, ex-Chelsea winger Gaël Kakuta, Everton's Yannick Bolasie and Newcastle United star Chancel Mbemba are among the eye-catching names in the group.

The Leopards squad contains three goalkeepers, ten defenders, seven midfielders and twelve strikers.

Goalkeepers : Joël Kiassumbua, Nicaise Kudimbana, Parfait Mandanda

Defenders : Issama Mpeko, Jordan Ikoko, Arthur Masuaku, Fabrice Nsakala, Glody Ngonda, Wilfied Monke, Christian Luyindama, Chris Mavinga, Yannick Bangala Litombo, Gabriel Zakuani

Midfielders : Chancel Mbemba, Jacques Maghoma, Taguy Ndombele, Aron Tshibola, Neeskens Kebano, Paul Jose Mpoku, Gael Kakuta

Strikers : Yannick Bolasie, Mubele Ndombe, Chadrack Akolo, Harrison Manzala, Jordan Botaka, Yeni N'Gbakoto, Cedric Bakambu, Britt Assombalonga, Benik Afobe, Kabongo Kasongo, Ben Malango, Rick Tulenge

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fecofa-rdc.com