Chikatara in action against Tunisia, but will not face Egypt

Samson Siasia,  Nigeria’s Super Eagles interim coach has axed  African Nations Championship star, Chisom Chikatara  from Nigeria squad to face Egypt in this  week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers billed for Kaduna and Alexandria.

Only six players out of 22 players from the Nigeria Professional Football League made the cut in a list tweeted by the Nigeria Football Federation on Sunday evening.

The lucky ones are Chibuzor Okonkwo, Etebo Oghenekaro, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Ifeanyi Mathew, Mathew Etim and Kalu Orji.

They will be joined by 18 foreign based pros this week for the crunch battle against Hector Cuper’s men.

The first leg encounter will hold in Kaduna on March 25, while the return leg is scheduled for Alexandria on March 29.

Egypt top Group G with six points while Nigeria are second with four points from the same number of matches.

FOREIGN BASED PLAYERS EXPECTED

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa)

Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Stanley Amuzie (Olhanense FC, Portugal); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Azubuike Okechukwu (Yeni Matalyspor, Turkey)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor FK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers, USA)

*Source: www.goal.com