Rohr snubs China based Eagles for friendlies

Super Eagles of Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr
Rohr

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has snubbed the country’s top stars based in China ahead of the forthcoming friendlies in March.

The three-time African champions will face Senegal and Burkina Faso in London in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.

While Skipper Mikel Obi, who now plays in the Chinese Super League (CSL) for Tianjin TEDA, reportedly opted out of the encounter, same cannot be said of the other players.

Those not considered for the two test games include Odion Ighalo, Brown Ideye, Anthony Ujah and Obafemi Martins.

In the absence of the aforementioned quintet, the German tactician called up 25 other stars led by deputy skipper, Ahmed Musa.

The gaffer also handed first time call ups to Dutch-based youngster, Tyronne Ebuehi, who had earlier declined an invitation, as well as Germany-based forward, Noah Joel Bazee.

Also included are home-based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo as well as forwards Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.

The Eagles will battle the Teranga Lions on March 23 before taking on the Stallions of Burkina Faso four days later.

Both matches will be played at The Hive, home ground of Barnet Football Club.

INVITED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); William Paul Ekong (KAA Gent, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Uche Henry Agbo (Granada FC, Spain); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Musa Muhammed (FC Zeljeznicar, Bosnia Herzegovina); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Gijon, Spain); Kingsley Madu (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Isaac Success (Watford FC, England); Noah Joel Bazee (Hannover 96, Germany); Victor Osimhen (Wolfsburg FC, Germany).