players – anabenonline

In preparation of the Cameroun 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super had its first training yesterday, with more players joining the camp of late.

Out of the 28 players invited by coach Austin Eguavoen, eleven were around yesterday for the training which took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

However, it was learnt that other players have arrived the team’s camp.

The Cameroun 2022 AFCON will start on Sunday with the host nation, Indomitable Lions of Cameroun taking on Burkina Faso, while reigning champions, Algeria, will defend their trophy against Sierra Leone.

The Super Eagles and Pharaohs of Egypt will start off their campaign in Garoau on Tuesday, January 11.

An official of the team disclosed yesterday that more players came into the camp yesterday, but could not take part in the training.

The players in camp are Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France), Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus), Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos, Greece), Peter Olayinka (Slavia Praha, Czech Republic), and Chidozie Awaziem (Alayanspor, Turkey).

Others are Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain), Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), John Noble (Enyimba FC), and Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany).

Super Eagles media Officer, Babafemi Raji, assured that COVID-19 protocols was fully observed in yesterday’s training.

The last time Super Eagles held its training at the Abuja stadium was in preparation for 2015 AFCON qualifier against Egypt.

The Cameroun 2022 AFCON will run from January 9 to February 6, 2022.

Super Eagles invite four new players for AFCON

Due to the health conditions and injuries of some players, Super Eagles have invited four new players for AFCON.

Recall that the Nigeria Football Federation had, on Friday, announced that Victor Osimhen is out of the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations.

The NFF’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, disclosed this on Friday, adding that only the goalkeeping department has not been changed.

Players newly added to the AFCON squad are right back Tyrone Ebuehi, England–based Oluwasemilogo, Greece-based Henry Onyekuru, and Czech Republic-based forward Peter Olayinka.

Olajire said, “Lively forward Victor Osimhen’s positive test to the coronavirus pandemic a couple of days ago and injury to the versatile Abdullahi Shehu have constrained changes to Nigeria’s final 28-man list for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations starting in Cameroon next weekend.

“The goalkeeping department is untouched, but the forced exclusion of Cyprus –based Shehu, who can slot easily into sections of the defence and midfield, has made way for hard-as-nails right back Tyrone Ebuehi, now with Venezia in the Italian Serie A, and England –based Oluwasemilogo Ajayi returns to the group for Africa’s flagship football championship following injury to centre-back Leon Balogun. Ajayi can also play as a midfielder.

“Osimhen’s absence paves way for Greece-based Henry Onyekuru who was also at the last finals in Egypt. In-form rapid raider Emmanuel Dennis, whose English Premiership club is baring fangs, has been excused to provide room for Czech Republic-based forward Peter Olayinka.”

AFCON 2021: Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis out of Super Eagles squad