By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria has selected 18 players for an U23 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania on Saturday October 22, 2022 in Dares Salem.
This weekend’s clash is the first leg, while the second leg tie takes place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital in Nigeria few days later.
The Nigerian team led by Coach Salisu Yusuf, according to a press statement by the Nigeria Football Federation, has two goalkeepers – Nathaniel Nwosu and John Amah.
There are six defenders namely Daniel Bamayi, Christopher Nwenze, Isaiah Ejeh, Dominion Ohaka, Evan Ogbonda and Michael Inainfe.
The midfielders are Olashile Akinniran, Ibrahim Auwalu, Qudus Akanni, Oluwatimilehin Ogunniyi and Oluwapelumi Adeyemo.
The strikers include Daniel Wotlai, Edidiong Ezekiel, Munir Idris, Success Makanjuola and Promise David.
Heritage Times HT reports that the Nigeria’s U23 Men National Team departed the country on Thursday morning via Murtala Mohammed international airport Lagos.
They had their last test match against a domestic football top flight side, Shooting stars, which ended 1-1 on Wednesday evening inside Lekan Salami stadium in Ibadan.
The game was witnessed by top government functionaries including Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports Ddevelopment, Sunday Dare.
The qualifier is expected to produce national teams that will feature at the U23 African championship. At the end, top continental fishers will go on to participate at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Nigeria missed a chance to be part of 2020 Tokyo Olympics after its football team – male and female failed to qualify.
