Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has for the umpteenth time ignored players from the Nigeria Professional Football following the invitation of 23 foreign based players ahead of the double legged 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone this month.
Among the 24 man list which comprises of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders and eight forwards is Heartland FC goalkeeper, Ikechukwu who is the only home based player in the squad.
Among those invited are team captain Ahmed Musa, Vice-captain William Ekong, veteran defender, Kenneth Omeruo and in-form Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho who has been recalled to the team.
There are also goalkeeper inform keeper Daniel Akpeyi, defenders Leon Balogun and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forwards Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen.
Germany -based defender Kingsley Ehizibue, on the books of FC Koln, and Holland -based forward Cyril Dessers have been called up for the first time.
The Super Eagles are on six points garnered from the first two matches of the campaign will look to extend their lead when they host the Leone Stars at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Friday, 27th March, before flying to Freetown for the second leg at the Siaka Stevens Stadium four days later.
All invited players, as well as technical and administrative officials, are to report in the Delta State capital on Monday, 23rd March.
Victory in both games will virtually guarantee Nigeria a spot at the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Cameroon early next year, ahead of their away clash to Benin Republic in Porto Novo in June and home tie against Lesotho early September.
24 Eagles for Lone Stars battles
Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi; Ikechukwu Ezenwa; Maduka Okoye.
Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem; William Ekong; Olaoluwa Aina; Jamilu Collins; Oluwasemilogo Ajayi; Kingsley Ehizibue.
Midfielders: Abdullahi Shehu; Etebo Oghenekaro; Wilfred Ndidi; Joseph Ayodele-Aribo; Ramon Azeez.
Forwards: Ahmed Musa; Alexander Iwobi; Victor Osimhen; Moses Simon; Samuel Chukwueze; Cyril Dessers; Kelechi Iheanacho; Samuel Kalu.
