Emma Jemegah
The Super Eagles will face Libya for qualification to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations without the services of its captain, John Obi Mikel who has yet to fixture for the national team since after the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Also out is Chelsea’s Victor Moses who was touted to be returning from his self-imposed exile from the team after announcing his retirement from international football.
Nigeria Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr while announcing the list of 23 players for the two-legged affair, has dropped Simeon Nwakwo, who was in Seychelles and scored against Liberia in a friendly last month for former junior international Isaac Success just as 2015 U17 World Cup –winning captain, Kelechi Nwakali is also overlooked.
READ ALSO Mourinho not feeling the pressure as Valencia test looms
Surprisingly, the man many Nigerians now vilified, China –based forward Odion Ighalo made the list while effervescent winger, Moses Simon who missed the World Cup party by injury is returning to the team.
In-form Ahmed Musa, Arsenal of England forward Alex Iwobi, is returning alongside Italy –based duo William Ekong and Olaoluwa Aina. All three missed the 3-0 win over Seychelles in Mahe last month due to injury.
The only home-based in the team is Enyimba’s Ikechukwu Ezenwa.
The Super Eagles are chasing the six maximum points against Group E leaders Libya in the Matchday 3 and 4 games.
Nigeria host the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, October 13 with the return scheduled for the 18,000 –capacity Stade Taïeb Mhiri in the city of Sfax, Tunisia on Tuesday October 16.
All invited players are to report in the Akwa Ibom State capital on Monday, 8th October 2018.