Two English-Based Players Axed As Rohr Announces Nigeria's Final 23-Man AFCON Squad

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has announced his final 23-man roster for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which begins in Egypt on June 21.

The 23 players selected come from the 25-man provisional roster earlier invited to attend a training camp in the Delta State capital Asaba.

Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho and Rotherham United central defender Semi Ajayi are the players axed by the German football tactician.

There was a hint that both English-based players were not in the plans of Rohr after they were not handed a run-out in the goalless draw against Zimbabwe on Saturday.

John Obi Mikel, Chelsea duo Kenneth Omeruo and Ola Aina, Arsenal's Alex Iwobi, goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and eighteen other players will be on the plane to Ismailia this afternoon.

The Super Eagles players and officials were due to depart Asaba this morning but there was a sudden change of travel plans and they will now depart at 1500 hours.

The players have just arrived the Stephen Keshi Stadium for a recovery session ahead of their trip to Egypt.

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany)

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Middlesbrough FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium); Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua, China); Alexander Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjyland, Denmark); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain)

Ifeanyi Emmanuel