World Cup qualifier: 21 Eagles hit camp; Martins, Onazi expected

Super Eagles players in training

Ahead of the two-legged 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Swaziland, 21 players have arrived the Super Eagles camp in Abuja.

As at Tuesday evening, the Nigeria football federation confirmed the availability of the players who took part in the evening training session with only three still expected.

The players yet to arrive camp as at the time of this report are Seattle Sounders striker, Obafemi Martins; Lazio midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, and Portugal-based defender, Abdullahi Shehu.

Already in camp are captain Ahmed Musa, goalkeepers Carl Ikeme, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu; defenders Efe Ambrose, Austin Oboroakpo, Chima Akas, Jamiu Alimi, Kalu Orji, Godfrey Oboabona, Wilfred Ndidi and Elderson Echiejile.

The midfielders are Paul Onobi, John Mikel Obi, Sylvester Igbonu and Rabiu Ibrahim, and forwards Odion Ighalo, Ezekiel Bassey, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon

Meanwhile, Mainz of Germany defender, Leon Balogun, has pulled out of the game due to injury sustained during club assignment.

The match between the Eagles and the Sihlangu Somnikati will kick off at 7pm on Friday, November 13, with Germain Koole of Benin Republic as the referee. He will be assisted by compatriots Bienvenu Dina, Sena Ulrich Houedin and Gustave Eugene Tohouegnon as assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively.

Both teams will clash in Port Harcourt four days later, with the winners going straight into the 20–team, mini-league phase beginning next year.