Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City products named in Nigeria's 23-man squad for AFCONQ; Ogbu misses out

Nigeria manager Jose Pesiero has announced a 23-man squad list for a dead rubber 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo.

The Portuguese football tactician has called up three goalkeepers (including home-based Olorunleke Ojo), eight defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards for the game, slated for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday, 10 September.

There is no place in the final squad for Slavia Prague central defender Igoh Ogbu despite rumors  that he was handed his first call-up for the the international this month.

Chelsea alum Ola Aina, Liverpool-reared striker Taiwo Awoniyi and Manchester City academy product Kelechi Iheanacho have been included on the roster.

Peseiro has called for the first time, Belgium-based centre-back Jordan Torunarigha and forwards Victor Boniface and Gift Orban, and there are recalls for Portugal-based left back Bruno Onyemaechi and defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika.

Nigeria, on 12 points from their previous five matches, are already guaranteed a place in the finals, but must earn at least a point to be sure of topping the group ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, who are on 10 points and play at home to Sierra Leone in Bissau.

The Nigeria Football Federation and Peseiro have reached an agreement for the latter to continue in his role as head coach of the Senior Men National Team of Nigeria, Super Eagles.

Nigeria's 23-man squad for AFCONQ

Goalkeepers (3): Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

Defenders (8): Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); William Ekong (PAOK FC, Greece); Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

Midfielders (4): Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

Forwards (8): Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany)

Ferdinand Mbum