Izuchukwu Okosi
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By Izuchukwu Okosi
SUPER Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo on Thursday afternoon joined the team in Tangier ahead of Saturday’s 2022 World Cup qualifier against Liberia and was elated to be part of the team again.
The 32-year old was recalled to the team after over two years of retirement and was the last of the outfield invited players to hit the Eagles’ nest.
Super Eagles camp opened on Monday and Ighalo’s invitation caused uproar in some sections prior to that.
The top scorer of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations spoke to NFF TV.
“I am happy to be back. It has been long. Two years plus. Good to see some of the guys.
“I have seen Ekong my strong man, hopefully I will see the other guys.
The former Manchester United striker retired from the Nigerian senior national football team after helping the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt where he emerged as the top scorer.
The former Watford goal king has been enjoying a good run of form in Saudi Arabia where he plays for Al Shabab, who are presently second on the log in the Pro League, two points behind table-toppers Al-Ittihad
The 23 players in camp include; Odion Ighao, Victor Osimhen, Maduka Okoye, Daniel Akpeyi, Paul Onuachu, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Kevin Akpoguma, Wilfred Ndidi, Jamilu Collins, and Alex Iwobi.
Others are: Chidera Ejuke, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, Chidozie Awaziem, Samuel Chukwueze, Kenneth Omeruo, Moses Simon, Zaidu Sanusi, Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun and Jo Aribo.
Still being expected to join the team on Friday is Enyimba International FC goalkeeper, John Noble who was a late call-up to the squad after Francis Uzoho pulled out due to injury.
The Liberia and Nigeria matchday 5 clash will kick-off by 5pm at the Grand Stade de Tanger Stadium located in the city of Tangier, Northern Morocco.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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