Finidi released his hit squad for June's World Cup qualifiers against Benin and South Africa.
A sharp departure from Peseiro is the summoning of more midfielders. That should make some fans happy and provide a glimpse into Finidi’s philosophy. Still in midfield, Aribo’s absence will not be mourned in some corners as Dele-Bashiru will be keen to show what he brings to the table. The midfield looks strong.
Up front, Paul Onuachu is having the form of his life so deserves his call up. Chukwueze continues to be given a lifeline by those who believe he still has the midas touch. Usual big name suspects Lookman, Osimhen and Iheanacho make the cut. But Sadiq Umar misses out. It looks like a lethal attack.
In defence, the absence of a natural left fullback has drawn condemnation but right fullbacks (like Aina) have been known to function effectively on the left. Aina himself is absent but Awaziem or Osayi-Samuel can fill in his boots. In centre defence there’s likely to be a gamble in either the NPFL guy or the lad based in Tanzania. Still, Akpoguma or Torunariga were notable absentees. It looks a strong backline.
In goal, that is very interesting. Uzoho, who actually returned to league action recently with healthy minutes under his belt, lost out to his one time number Two Maduka Okoye. Rwanda based John Noble loses out too. In Nwabili, Okoye and Ojo, the Super Eagles no longer has goalkeeping crisis.
Good list.
Full Squad
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Sensational UEFA Europa League hat-trick hero Ademola Lookman has been listed by coach Finidi George in a star-studded squad that also include Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen for 2006 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin next month.
Nigeria face South Africa on June 7 in Uyo, before another qualifying match against Benin in Abidjan three days later.
Also on the squad are goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, England-based defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Alhassan Yusuf, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi.
The two players from the domestic league are Remo Stars defender Sadiq Ismael and goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo, while Tanzania-based defender Benjamin Tanimu has been recalled after making his full international debut in March.
The Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)
Forwards: Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
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