Nigeria squad announcement : Ighalo in; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze return; Bassey, Awoniyi out

Published: November 01, 2021

The Nigeria Football Federation have announced a 24-man roster for the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Liberia and Cape Verde this month and the novelty on the list is Odion Ighalo.

The former Manchester United and Watford striker called time on his international career after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he won the top scorer award, and could be in the frame to add to his caps for the Super Eagles if he accepts the invitation.

Late last week, Ighalo stressed that he hadn't made up his mind whether to return to the team and won't be arm-twisted into changing his decision to retire from international football.

The 32-year-old is part of seven players classed as strikers named in the squad, three goalkeepers have been selected, while nine defenders and five midfielders have been called in by Rohr.

The return of Porto star Zaidu Sanusi and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi sees Glasgow Rangers youngster Calvin Bassey and Malmo ace Innocent Bonke miss out on roster spots.

In-form Union Berlin center forward Taiwo Awoniyi also misses out while Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze and Everton's Alex Iwobi are back having recovered from injuries.

Nigeria squad for November WCQ

Goalkeepers (3) : Maduka Okoye, Daniel Akpeyi, Francis Uzoho

Defenders (9) : William Troost-Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Jamilu Collins, Ola Aina, Kevin Akpoguma, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Zaidu Sanusi, Abdullahi Shehu

Midfielders (5) : Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi

Strikers (7) : Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Chidera Ejuke, Samuel Chukwueze

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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