World Cup qualifiers: Akpeyi returns as Rohr names squad for Liberia, Cape Verde clashes

Daniel Akpeyi, Super Eagles goalkeeper, is back as Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles technical adviser, named thirty players for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Liberia and Cape Verde in September.

Rohr has continued to stick with his dependables as the race to Qatar begins, with Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, William Ekong, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem and Leon Balogun making the list.

Kevin Akpoguma is also back, while there is another opportunity for midfielder Henry Onyekuru to flow back to the mainstream.

Others on the roster include; Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, and Victor Osimhen.

Kingsley Michael, former junior international, and Innocent Bonke from Sweden join the Nigerian camp for the first time.

However, the eight UK-based players on the list would head back to their clubs after the clash with Liberia in Lagos due COVID-19 restriction.

Cape Verde, Nigeria’s day two opponent are on the British Government red list with regards to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Nigeria begins its campaign for a place in Qatar next year by welcoming Liberia to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on September 3, before flying to Mindelo to play Cape Verde on September 7.

Below are the 30 players to slug it out with Liberia and Cape Verde

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium)

SEVEN OTHERS: Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Valentine Ozornwafor (Sporting Charleroi, Belgium); Tyronne Ebuehi (Venezia FC, Italy); Kingsley Michael (Bologna FC, Italy)