2022 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS Iheanacho, Ndidi, Iwobi, Seven Others among Early Arrivals as Eagles Assemble in Morocco for Liberia

*Onuachu, Akpoguma, Ola Aina also in camp as training begins today

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Ten players namely, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka and Chidera Ejuke, Daniel Akpeyi, Kevin Akpoguma, Jamilu Collins and Paul Onuachu were on ground when Super Eagles camp in Morocco’s coastal city of Tangier opened yesterday ahead of Saturday’s African qualifier of the 2022 World Cup clash with Liberia.

The Liberians opted for Morocco for the clash after their home ground, Samuel K Doe Stadium was declared unsuitable for international matches.

A win by the Super Eagles on nine points and a drop of point by Cape Verde on seven points in the corresponding group game with Central African Republic on the island of Mindelo will give the Nigerian side an unassailable lead of the group.

Media Officer of the Super Eagles, Babafemi Raji confirmed to THISDAY from Morocco last night that the coaching crew were expecting full house today for training sessions to begin.

“ Amongst the early players to arrive camp here in Morocco include Daniel Akpeyi, Kevin Akpoguma, Jamilu Collins and Paul Onuachu. Others like Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka and Chidera Ejuke came into the camp to take the list of early arrivals to 10 players last night.

“The coaches are however very certain that most of the invited players will troop into camp for training to begin on Tuesday,” observed the team’s spokesman.

Enyimba’s goalkeeper, John Noble was called up on Sunday to replace Francis Uzoho who reported to be unwell for the clash with Liberia’s Lone Star.

Among the players to feature in the clash is Odion Ighalo who made a surprised return to the team he voluntarily retired from two years ago.

If featured, it will be his first match in the Qatar 2022 qualifying series.

The Super Eagles will be attempting what their predecessors: the then Green Eagles did 45 years ago when they picked the ticket for the Montreal Olympics in Tangiers.

INVITED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho ( replaced by John Noble), Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Shabab Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)