Brighton & Hove duo, Villarreal, Leverkusen and MLS stars in Ecuador squad to face Nigeria

The Ecuadorian Football Federation have announced the national team's roster for their upcoming international matches against Nigeria, Mexico and Cape Verde in the United States next month.

The Super Eagles will face off with The Tricolors in a friendly at the  Red Bull Arena, New Jersey on June 2.

Among the players summoned by manager Gustavo Alfaro are Brighton & Hove duo  Moisés Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento, Villarreal defender Pervis Estupiñán and Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapié.

The Major League Soccer contingent include Xavier Arreaga (Seattle Sounders), Diego Palacios and José Cifuentes (Los Angeles FC), Jhegson Méndez (Orlando City), Alan Franco (Charlotte FC),  Michael Estrada (DC United) and Leonardo Campana (Inter Miami).

Ecuador coach Alfaro is using the friendlies against Nigeria and Cape Verde as part of the team's preparation for their 2022 World Cup clash with African champions Senegal. 

Three goalkeepers, nine defenders, ten midfielders and four strikers have received call-ups for the friendlies.

Ecuador squad for June internationals

Goalkeepers (3): Alexander Domínguez (Deportes Tolima, COL), Hernán Galíndez (Universidad de Chile), Moisés Ramírez (Independiente del Valle).

Defenders (9): Ángelo Preciado (Genk), Byron Castillo (Barcelona), Félix Torres (Santos Laguna), Robert Arboleda (Sao Paulo), Xavier Arreaga (Seattle), Diego Palacios (Los Angeles FC), Pervis Estupiñán (Villarreal), Piero Hincapié (Bayer Leverkusen), Jackson Porozo (Troyes).

Midfielders (10): Dixon Arroyo (Emelec), Alexander Alvarado (Liga de Quito), Jhegson Méndez (Orlando City), Moisés Caicedo (Brighton), Alan Franco (Charlotte), Romario Ibarra (Pachuca), Jeremy Sarmiento (Brigthon), Ángel Mena (León), Gonzalo Plata (Real Valladolid), José Cifuentes (Los Angeles).

Forwards (4): Michael Estrada (DC United), Djorkaeff Reasco (Newell's Old Boys), Leonardo Campana (Inter Miami), Enner Valencia (Fenerbahce).

Ifenayi Emmanuel