Balogun, Omeruo return, as Yusuf invites 26 for Mali, Luxembourg friendlies

Mainz defender, Leon Balogun, and the lad, who many expect to man the new Super Eagles’ central defence with the Germany-based defender, Kenneth Omeruo of Kisampasa of Turkey, as well as William Troost Ekong are among the returnees to the senior national team billed to play Mali and Luxembourg in international friendlies next month.

The list of 26 players released yesterday by Super Eagles’ interim Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf, is a mixture of the old reliables and some new players, who are making their first move from the junior ranks to the main team.

Among the established players in the list are Skipper John Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo and goalkeeper Carl Ikeme.Some of the new players coming to the team are former U-20 skipper, Musa Muhammed, former U-20 defender, Gbenga Arokoyo and former U-23 midfielder, Raheem Lawal.

They are joined in the list by 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Brown Ideye, Kingsley Madu and unknown Portugal–based defender, Chidozie Awaziem.

Nigeria will meet the Les Aiglons of Mali in France on May 27 before flying to Luxembourg to take on that country’s national team on June 1.
Alsop in the list are some familiar names, including Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, Moses Simon, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Aaron Samuel.

The full list:
Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars).
Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Musa Muhammed (Istanbul Basaksehir, Turkey); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey); Leon Balogun (Mainz 05, Germany); Gbenga Arokoyo (Gaziantepspor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (Haugesund FC, Norway); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal).

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Wilfred Ndidi KRC Genk, Belgium); Raheem Lawal (Osmanlispor FK, Turkey); Etebo Oghenekaro (SC Farense, Portugal).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor FK, Turkey); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Olympiakos FC, Greece).