Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, Friday evening unveiled a 25-man squad that will execute the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations, AFCON tournament npflupdates.com reports.
The Super Eagles will hope to win a fourth Africa Cup Of Nations AFCON title in Ivory coast as the team through the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, unveiled the squad for the tournament.
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According to a post on the official NFF Twitter (now X handle), Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa, made a shocking return to the team. The legend having played at several AFCON tournaments and two FIFA men’s world cups, will provide guidance and improve the morale of the younger players in the squad.
Super Eagles comprehensive list for the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON)
Goalkeepers:Â Stanley Nwabili ; Francis Uzoho; Olorunleke Ojo
Defenders:Â Olaoluwa Aina ; Chidozie Awaziem ; Bright Osayi-Samuel ; William Troost-Ekong ; Bruno Onyemaechi ; Kenneth Omeruo ; Oluwasemilogo Ajayi ; Calvin Bassey ; Zaidu Sanusi
Midfielders:Â Wilfred Ndidi ; Raphael Onyedika ; Joe Ayodele-Aribo ; Frank Onyeka ; Alex Iwobi.
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Forwards:Â Ahmed Musa ; Victor Osimhen; Kelechi Iheanacho ; Sadiq Umar; Moses Simon ; Ademola Lookman ; Samuel Chukwueze; Victor Boniface.
Three things can be deducted from the caliber of players invited for the biennial tournament.
First, the shocking inclusion of Ahmed Musa, and Stanley Nwabili to the national team. Musa is no doubt the current most experienced Super Eagles player, having played at two FIFA world cup tournaments, three AFCONs and lot more. But his recent form isn’t very encouraging, owing to the fact that he recently returned from injury, and have not had enough game time at his club Sivasspor. This, Nigerians fear may hamper his performances at the AFCON.
The inclusion of a former Enyimba FC goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili ahead of Hapoel Jerusalem goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye. Nwabilywas recently scouted by Peseiro, who tools out time to go watch him at his club(Chippa United) in South Africa. Nwabili is a very good Goalkeeper no doubt, but his lack of experience at the national level may hamper his chances at the tournament.
Secondly, the trimming of the squad size to 25 pplayers when CAF has already given a room for teams to accommodate up to 27 players. Most African countries at the CAF will unveil 27-players, and that implies two more players ahead of Nigeria’s 25. This is a situation Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro ought to have tackled with the authorities of the NFF.
Finally, the AFCON is in less than three weeks, and Nigeria with the inclusion of new players(like Victor Boniface) will hope to become glorious and clinch an fourth title.
