Rohr names strong squad for AFCON qualifier

Gernot Rohr

Newly appointed Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, has named a strong squad for his first game in charge of the team.

Rohr, 63, a former Bordeaux boss, was appointed early August to lead the three-time African champions back to the summit of the continent’s football.

The German invited 23 players to execute the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Uyo on September 3.

Nigeria are already out of contention with Egypt picking the sole ticket from Group G to Gabon 2017.

Super Eagles skipper, John Obi Mikel alongside five other Dream Team VI members currently at the ongoing Rio Olympics members were invited.

They include Imoh Ezekiel, William Troost-Ekong, Emmanuel Daniel, Abdullahi Shehu and Kingsley Madu.

However, Nigeria’s top scorer at the tournament, Oghenekaro Etebo, who is currently injured wasn’t considered.

Premier League quartet of Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo made the list while Alex Iwobi misses out due to injury.

Israel-based midfielder, Nosa Igiebor, overlooked since June 2014 gets a recall.

The three-time African Champions are using the game to prepare for their opening 2018 World Cup qualifying match with Zambia in Ndola in October.

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); William Troost-Ekong (Haugesund FC, Norway); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal); Jamiu Alimi (Kano Pillars); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Musa Muhammed (Istanbul Basaksehir, Turkey); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France), Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Chelsea, England); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Nosa Igiebor (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Imoh Ezekiel (Al-Arabi Sporting Club, Qatar), Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Brown Ideye (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Victor Osimhen (Wolfsburg FC, Germany)