Glasgow Rangers' trio, Leicester, Watford, Everton stars named in Nigeria squad for 2022 WCQ

The Nigeria Football Federation have announced a 23-man roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Central African Republic.

The squad unveiled on Thursday morning contains three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and six strikers.

Promising Glasgow Rangers left-back Calvin Bassey has received his first call-up to the Nigeria squad, a decision that sees Porto star Zaidu Sanusi left out entirely.

Bassey, a product of the Leicester City academy, is one of three Glasgow Rangers players invited for the back-to-back games, the others being central midfielder Joe Aribo and central defender Leon Balogun.

Born in Aosta, Bassey is eligible to represent the national teams of Italy, England and Nigeria but is uncapped at international level.

Four Premier League players in the shape of William Troost-Ekong (Watford), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Alex Iwobi (Everton) and Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City) are in contention to add to their international caps having made the roster.

Goalkeepers (3): Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders (9): Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Calvin Ughelumba (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders (5): Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)

Forwards (6): Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia)

Ifeanyi Emmanuel