AFCON 2023: Peseiro names 40-man provisional Eagles squad as Musa returns
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has named 40 players in his provisional 2023 AFCON squad. Recall that Sportinglife.ng had few days back hinted that the Portuguese coach is on the verge of joining other coaches who have announced provisional squads to reveal his.
Interestingly, the head coach has decided to name the current captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa in the squad even though he has not played for Nigeria since September 2023. Only recently former Super Eagles goalie Dele Aiyenugba made case for Musa noting that his presence in the squad could add value as the team aims to realise the dream of winning the Nations Cup for the fourth time after there previous victories.
READ ALSO AFCON 2023: Peseiro set to name Super Eagles provisional squad
The 31-year-old Musa who is currently the most capped Super Eagles player, has missed the team’s last five games due to lack of form and fitness issues.
Ahmed Musa reacts after hitting brace against Iceland at the 2018 W/Cup in Russia
It however remains to be seen whether Musa who was impressive at the 2018 World Cup in Russia despite Super Eagles early exit will make the final 27-man squad for the Nations Cup which kicks off January 13 in Cote d Ivoire. An interesting part of the squad is the increase in number of goalkeepers invited to six including Enyimba’s Ojo Olorunleke, an indication that Francis Uzoho who is currently number one and who has been criticised for avoidable blunders in recent times will be doubling effort to retain his position.
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Below is the full 55-man provisional 2023 AFCON squad for the Super Eagles:
Goalkeepers Midfielders
1. Francis Uzoho
2. Adebayo Adeleye
3. Ojo Olorunleke
4. Stanley Nwabali
5. Amas Obasogie
6. Christian Nwoke
Defenders
1. Ola Ainα
2. B. Osayi-Samuel
3. Tyronne Ebuehi
4. Jamilu Collins
5. Zaidu Sanusi
6. Bruno Onyemaechi
7. W. Troost-ekong
8. Semi Ajayi
9. Calvin Bassey
10. Kenneth Omeruo
11. Kevin Akpoguma
12. Chidozie Awaziem
13. J. Torunarighа
Midfielders
1. Wilfred Ndidi
2. Frank Onyeka
3. Joe Aribo
4. Alex Iwobi
5. Alhassan Yusuf
6. F. Dele-bashiru
7. Raphael Onyedika
8. Kelechi Nwakali
Forwards
1. Victor Osimhen
2. Victor Boniface
3. Terem Moffi
4. Umar Sadiq
5. Ahmed Musa
6. Paul Onuachu
7. Cyriel Dessers
8. Ademola Lookman
9. Nathan Tella
10. Moses Simon
11. Emmanuel Dennis
12. Samuel Chukwueze
13. Kelechi Iheanacho