'I like the kid' - Eguavoen seeks CAF approval to include Nwakali in Nigeria's provisional squad

Nigeria's interim manager Augustine Eguavoen has confirmed that former Arsenal midfielder Kelechi Nwakali stands a chance of being named in the Super Eagles provisional squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Allnigeriasoccer.com reported exactly a week ago that the SD Huesca star was in touch with the newly-appointed Super Eagles caretaker coach but stressed that Eguavoen didn't initiate the conversation and the former Nigeria captain has confirmed as much.

Eguavoen is now seeking approval from the Confederation of African Football to modify the list submitted in November and if his request is granted, Nwakali and one or two more players would be added to the roster.

Nigeria's midfield needs a shakeup ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations as they lack a genuine playmaker - a role Nwakali has thrived in for the country's underage teams.

"The provisional list has been submitted long ago but we'll try to see how we can probably bring few on board if it's allowed, if it's permitted, but if it's not permitted we'll still work with the list that has been dropped with CAF and I think we can still get an excellent team from that list," Eguavoen said.

The former Gent fullback added : "I didn't contact Kelechi Nwakali. If it's permitted to alter the list I will bring in two or three names. I have to speak with the Federation first and then they will contact CAF if it is possible.

"Myself and Kelechi we spoke but he's not on that list that was submitted to CAF, if there's a possibility yes I like the kid".