The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday made public the list of players called up to the senior national team of Nigeria for the dead rubber AFCON qualifiers game against Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo.
Nigeria who are already through to the tournament to be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire next year will use the game as a dress rehearsal for the start of the World Cup qualifiers in November. A total of 23 players were called up for the game.
In the list, coach of the team Jose Peseiro who recently extended his deal as coach of the Nigerian team handed first time call up to one new defender in Gent of Belgium Jordan Torunarigha and two forwards namely Gift Orban who Gent and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen.
Former Germany youth international Torunarigha only recently got his switch of nationality approved by FIFA, he will go into the defence, with Peseiro keen on having younger options with all of the present center backs at his disposal bar Calvin Bassey in their 30’s.
He is solid in aerial duels, which he also uses in the opposition half to become a goal threat from set piece. His physical approach also means he will settle down into African football a lot quicker than anticipated.
The duo of Orban and Boniface need no introduction particularly Boniface, who looks the real deal with his ability to play anywhere across the attack and also as the point man a catch. He is solid on the ball , goes past his markers with ease, dealdy in the air and also rapidly quick. Not mentioning his very unique way of celebration.
Orban who is seen as a better finisher with his amazing stat in front of goal is thought of as a finisher, but in hindsight he operates in a role just behind the forward of as an inside forward on the left, similar to the same role Ademola Lookman plays on the right for Atalanta.
His major strength is his ball striking ability especially as he manages to get them on target with force. His pace is also another weapon which is made deadlier by his tricks on the ball in tight spaces.
ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); William Ekong (PAOK FC, Greece); Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany).
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
