Super Eagles of Nigeria are set for Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) qualification show down with Djurtus of Guinea Bissau on March 24 and 27, 2023. A look at the players invited by manager José Peseiro shows that 7 of them play professional football in England. Who are these England-based stars?...CONTINUE READING
The first man on the list is Kelechi Iheanacho who plies his trade at Leicester City. The striker, who moved to England as a teenager, has scored four goals and made three assists for the the season. He has also won premiership MotM this season.
Meanwhile, the 2014 U-17 World Cup winner has made forty two appearances for the Super Eagles with 11 goals to show. Paul Onuachu of Southampton FC is another one of them.
Unlike Iheanacho, the 28-year-old player joined the Saints during 2023 winter tranfer window. He had only made six appearances in the EPL since the move. The 2020/21 Jupiler League golden boot winner has only netted three times for the African giants. The duo will be expected to provide cover for Osimhen in the midfield.
Wilfred Ndidi is one of the prominent English top flight player in the team. The midfielder is a team mate of Iheanacho at Leicester. Since he made his debut for the senior national team in 2015, Ndidi has featured in 47 games for Nigeria.
Frank Onyeka is one of the four midfielders invited. Currently playing Brentford FC, the 25-year-old Nigerian has got one goal contribution in the English top flight.
Alex Iwobi (Everton FC) and Joe Aribo (Southampton) complete the list of the midfield maestros in the squad. The former (who is nephew of Jay Jay Okocha) switched nationality to Nigeria in 2015 having played for England age-grade sides.
Since he made his debut for the Super Eagles, the attacking midfielder has netted 10 goals in 58 matches for the West African country.
Unlike Iwobi (who has played all his professional games for English clubs) Aribo moved to England last summer. The attacking midfielder has scored only two goals in Super Eagles colours.
The seventh England-based player invited is semi Ajayi who plays for West Bromwich Albion. He is the only one amog the seven who plays outside the first tier of England. The defender made his national team debut in 2022 and has played in 21 matches for the Super Eagles.
