Mikel Obi returns, listed in Rohr’s 25-man provisional squad for AFCON

Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi has returned to the team as he made the 25-man provisional squad for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) released by coach Gernot Rohr on Tuesday.

Mikel, who last wore the Nigerian colours in July 2018 at the World Cup in Russia, was handed a call up by Rohr following a meeting by the duo in England recently.

Al-Nassr forward and World Cup hero, Ahmed Musa also made the list, alongside Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onachu as forwards.

The Super Eagles sealed qualification for the 32nd edition of the AFCON with one game to spare, and have been drawn in Group B alongside Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar.

The tournament is billed to hold between June 21 and July 19 in Egypt, with Nigeria starting their campaign on June 22 against newcomers, Burundi.

Read Also: Dream to play in Premier League, La Liga, Serie A still alive – John Ogu

Meanwhile, six players have been put on standby, and invited players and officials are to report at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Asaba on Sunday, 2nd June ahead of the team’s friendly with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Saturday, 8th June.

The team will depart for Egypt on Sunday, 9th June aboard a chartered aircraft, set up a final training camp in the city of Ismailia and tackle Africa’s number one –ranked team, Senegal in their final pre-AFCON friendly on Sunday, 16th June.

25 EAGLES FOR AFCON 2019 CAMP

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United, England)

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Middlesbrough FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium); Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua, China); Alexander Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjyland, Denmark); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain)

6 On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); Ikouwem Utin (Enyimba FC); Mikel Agu (Vitoria Setubal, Portugal); Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly, Egypt); Valentine Ozornwafor (Enyimba FC)

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