AFCON 2021 Qualifiers: Rohr Releases 23-Man List For Benin Republic, Lesotho Clash, Recalls Akpeyi

By Akinwale Kasali

Coach Gernot Rohr has recalled Kaizer Chiefs Football Club of South Africa goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi,  to the Super Eagles, just weeks after criticising him for costing the nation the final spot at the 2019 African Cup of Nations Championship in Egypt.

The return of Akpeyi was eminent following the injury to Anorthosis Famagusta Football Club of Cyprus goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, in the line of duty for the Super Eagles  friendly against the Selecao of Brazil during an international friendly last month in Singapore which ended 1-1.

With the double header coming up in November for the AFCON 2021 qualification series against the Squirrels of Benin Republic and, Southern Africa country, Lesotho, Rohr called up a 23-man squad to prosecute the matches.

Interestingly, Captain of the team, Ahmed Musa, made a return after missing out in the two friendly matches earlier played, alongside Kenneth Omeruo, Simeon Kalu, Bryan Idowu and Oghenekaro Etebo who has been placed on standby by Rohr.

Rohr kept faith with most of the players that played against Brazil, with his new sensation in the midfield, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, making the cut in the 23- man invitees.

Mikel Agu of Vitoria Guimares was a surprise call-up in the squad.

Agu has been out of the team since failing to make the 23-man team that hoisted the nation’s flag at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He has not been in Rohr’s plan, not until his spectacular performances of late for the Portuguese side in the Portuguese League, and at the UEFA Europa League where he has been outstanding for his club, though, his club is yet to record any win or draw at the on-going UEFA Europa League.

The invited players are: Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany)

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Mikel Agu (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Ramon Azeez (Granada FC, Spain)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure(Club Brugge, Belgium); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France);

Stand-by: Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City, England)