AFCON qualifier: Mikel, Echiejine dropped as Rohr names 23-man squad against Seychelles [See full list]

Coach of the Nigerian senior national team, Gernot Rohr, has released a list of squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Seychelles.

The German coach opted to drop both Elderson Echiejile and John Obi Mikel as he selected his 23-man squad that will face the Pirates.
Rohr submitted his 23-man squad to the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, on Friday.

A statement on the NFF website confirmed that injured captain Mikel will not be part of the team, while there was no place for Elderson Echiejile as the German tactician stuck to most of the players who featured at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.
Porto B’s Kelechi Nwakali has been handed a chance to justify his claim for a place in Super Eagles’ midfield.
However, Kaduna-born SC Paderborn left-back, Jamilu Collins and former Arsenal rookie, Semi Ajayi were handed their maiden call-ups with the quartet of Uche Agbo, Stephen Eze, FC Luzern striker Blessing Eleke and Musa Mohammed placed on standby.

The three-time African champions made a false start in the qualifying series – bowing 2-0 to South Africa in Uyo – and they must negotiate their way past the Pirates to resurrect their chances of qualifying for Cameroon 2019.
Meanwhile, Rohr has disclosed that his assistant, Salisu Yusuf, who is under investigations for bribery, will not be part of the team for the September 8 showdown.
GOALKEEPERS: Francis Uzoho, Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechuwu Ezenwa.
DEFENDERS: Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Bryan Idowu, Ola Aina, Jamiu Colllins, Semiu Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo.
MIDFIELDERS: Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi, Joel Obi, John Ogu, Karo Etebo, Kelechi Nwakali.
FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, Simy Nwankwo, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Samuel Kalu, Kelechi Iheanacho.
STANDBY: Uche Agbo, Stephen Eze, Blessing Eleke, Musa Mohammed.