Algeria 2023: NPFL top scorer Akuneto to headline 35-man roster for CHAN qualifier against Ghana

Local coach Salisu Yusuf has invited 35 players ahead of CHAN Eagles' two-leg qualifying series against Ghana.

Headlining the list is Chijioke Akuneto who led Rivers United to the league title with 18 goals. The league champions provide eight players while Rangers and Enyimba provide four players each.

Nigeria will kick off against Ghana's Black Galaxies in the first leg in Accra on Sunday August 28 with the second leg scheduled at MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday September 3 for a chance to qualify for the next The African Championship should be held in Algeria next year.

Yusuf invited five NPFL players who played in the Super Eagles friendlies in the United States in May, except for Ibrahim Buhari, Rafiu Ishaq Kayode and Victor Mbaoma who have since traveled abroad.

Meanwhile, Babatunde Bello, Adewale Adeyinka, Sani Faisal, Olorunleke Ojo and Chiamaka Madu have all been invited alongside Isah Ali and Afeez Nosiru, who missed the US tour due to issues visa.

Another inclusion in the list was NPFL top scorer in the just-concluded season, CpAkuneto and U-20 stopper, Nathaniel Nwosu.

Coach Yusuf expects all invited players to resume at Bolton White Apartments in Abuja on Wednesday August 10.

Guest players

Goalkeepers: Victor Sochima (Rivers United); Adeyinka Adewale (Akwa United); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC); Nathaniel Nwosu (Flying Eagles)

Defenders: Tope Olusesi (Rangers); Kazie Enyinnaya (Rivers United); Sani Faisal (Katsina United); Samson Gbadebo (Akwa United); Ebube Duru (Rivers United); Christopher Nwaeze (Akwa United); Isa Ali (Remo Stars); Tosin Adegbite (Enyimba FC); Emekayi Temple (Rivers United); Andrew Ikefe (United Plateau)

Midfielder: Babatunde Bello (Akwa United); Philippe Ozor (Enyimba FC); Maurice Chukwu (Rivers United); Hafeez Nosiru (Kwara United); Zulkiflu Mohammed (Plateau United); Chiamaka Madu (Rivers United); Jide Fatokun (Kwara United); Kenechukwu Agu (Rangers); Joseph Onoja (Rivers United); Haggai Katoh (United Plateau); Uche Onwuasonaya (Rivers United)

Attacks: Abdulazeez Yusuf (Gombe United); Sadiq Abubakar (Enyimba FC); Chidiebere Nwobodo (Rangers); Amadi Promise (Akwa United); Chijioke Akuneto (Rivers United); Valentine Odoh (Abia Warriors); Andy Okpe (Remo Stars); Adams Yakubu (Akwa United); Godspower Aniefiok (Pillars of Kano); Ossy Martins (Rangers)

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