Giving home based Players a fair chance to fight for spots in the Super Eagles is much welcomed, according to CB William Troost-Ekong.
Nigeria’s 30-man squad announced earlier this month for the Friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador included 8 NPFL based players.
Two goalkeepers Adewale Adeyinka and Olorunleke Ojo, Defenders Faisal Sani and Ibrahim Buhari, Two Midfielders Babatunde Bello and Chiamaka Madu and Forwards Victor Mbaoma and Ishaq Rafiu are currently with the team in Dallas.
Isa Ali and Babatunde Nosiru, who were in the initial list, have been dropped over travelling document issues.
Meanwhile, Ekong insists the Friendlies will help the entire team “reset” under new handlers and the Players are in high spirits.
“We all arrived from a long travel here in Dallas, it was amazing to meet the new Coach and the new Coaching crew,” said the Stand-in Super Eagles.
“Training was good, great to see there’s a lot of home based players here as well who have the chance to show themselves and everyone is in a good spirit.
“We’re waiting for one or two more late arrivals and we’re preparing well for the game against Mexico.”
It is expected that 20 players will be available for the games as several have pulled out due to “injuries, Visa hitches and career concerns” according to the latest from the NFF.
Full List of Players:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Adewale Adeyinka, Ojo Olorunleke
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, William Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ibrahim Buhari, Sani Faisal
Midfielders: Joseph Aribo, Alex Iwobi, Chiamaka Madu, Innocent Bonke, Babatunde Bello
Forwards: Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, Victor Mbaoma, Ishaq Rafiu, Terem Moffi.
