By Mukwuzi Joseph
Victor Osimhen and Emmanuel Dennis are among four players who will not be at the Africa Cup of Nations next year despite their inclusion in the initial final list submitted by Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen. Others are defenders, Shehu Abdullahi and Leon Balogun.
While Osimhen contracted Covid and reportedly asked to be excused, Emmanuel Dennis’ situation has to do with an invitation that was not sent on time.
Both strikers had indicated and expressed readiness to be part of the Cameroon party but a disagreement over if Osimhen will be fit enough in time was already causing friction between his club, Napoli, and the Nigeria Football Federation. His fate was sealed when the covid report came out.
Watford coach, Claudio Ranieri had hinted that Dennis would not be in Cameroon after their fixture against West Ham on Tuesday when he said the letter of invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation reached the club late.
The Full list
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); John Noble (Enyimba FC); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Tyrone Ebuehi (Venezia FC, Italy); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Nwakali (SD Huesca, Spain)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Shabab Riyadh, Saudi Arabia); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Praha, Czech Republic)
