Coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr revealed his squad for the game against Libya later this month as the race to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations hots up.
Isaac Success was handed a recall as exclusively reported by Owngoalnigeria.com, while Anthony Ujah who was also tipped to stage a comeback was conspicuously missing from the list.
Aside Mainz 05 Ujah, Owngoalnigeria.com takes a look at other players who were also unfortunate not to have made the squad despite Rohr scouting them extensively.
Victor Osimhen – A favourite of coach Gernot Rohr and many expected the on loan Wolfsburg striker who has scored twice in his last three games for Charleroi to get a look in, base on the fact that getting regular run of games is part of what he need and that is the case now. No doubt he will be back with the team if he maintains his performance for Charleroi.
Ikouwem Udoh – The most talked about home based defender and considering that he plays at left full back, many expected the Enyimba man who is the captain of the Nigeria U20 to at least get a look in this time around.
Unconfirmed reports has it that his involvement with Enyimba in the CAF Confederation Cup played a role in his non-inclusion in the squad.
Blessing Eleke – 22 year old Eleke was surprisingly named on standby for the game against Seychelles ,and he could easily have earned his first call up but the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) overruled coach Gernot Rohr’s request to have the FC Luzern forward after the withdrawal of some players.
With seven goals to his name already this season from just 11 games in all competitions. He will no doubt get a chance in subsequent games as Rohr continue his search for more firepower in attack.
Ebere Eze – The most sought after player in the squad of English Championship side did his chance of getting a call up a whole lot of good by posting impressive performance in the month building up to the release of the list. However he was once again snubbed.
Gernot Rohr is aware of his talents and abilities but no explanation was given when Owngoalnigeria.com sought to know why the 20 year old , we however got assurances that the manager is watching him closely.
Osas Mahawi