The heroic exploits of Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, has been rewarded with an invitation to the Super Eagles as Manager, Gernot Rohr, included the youngster in his 24-man list for the last World Cup qualifier against Algeria and the international friendly against Argentina billed for next month. Nigeria will face Algeria at the Chahid Hamlaou Stadium in Constantine on Friday November 10, then play against Argentina at the Krasnodar Stadium in Krasnodar four days later.
The former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper who was in Nigeria’s squad at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup is in line to make his international debut for Nigeria next month. Uzoho made his La Liga debut two weeks ago against Eibar where he kept a clean sheet and was also in goal during his club’s 2-1 loss to Girona. However, the anticipated recall of former Eagles keeper Vincent Enyeama did not happen at least not yet.
Captain Mikel John Obi, forward Ahmed Musa and midfielder Ogenyi Onazi top the list with Henry Onyekuru and Uche Agbo recalled while Tyrone Ebuehi is set to make his debut.
Goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi also made the cut as well as defenders Abdullahi Shehu, Leon Balogun and William Ekong, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo. Victor Moses and Elderson Echiejile are ruled out due to injury while former U-17 World Cup winner Chidiebere Nwakali has been considered by Rohr. Russia -based Brian Idowu has been placed on standby only for the friendly with Argentina while 2013 AFCON winner Kenneth Omeruo is on standby for both matches, alongside former junior international Alhassan Ibrahim, who now plays in Austria.
All invited players are expected to arrive in a camp in Morocco on Monday, November 6, before the delegation flies to Constantine on Thursday, 9th November. On Saturday, 11th November, a 45–seater chartered aircraft will fly the Super Eagles from Constantine to Krasnodar, the Russian city that will host the international friendly against Argentina on Tuesday November 14.
