Nigeria Manager Peseiro Names Musa, Ekong, 23 Others to Face Algeria in Oran

Head Coach José Santos Peseiro has opted for captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong and 23 other players to take on former African champions Algeria in an international friendly match in the Algerian town of Oran on Tuesday, 27th September.

Also called are goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi and Cyriel Dessers.

Only Richard Onyedika, of Belgian top team, Club Brugge, is a new face in the group. Germany –based defender Kevin Akpoguma also returns to the fold.

Three –time African champions Nigeria and two-time African champions Algeria clash at the 40,000 Stade Olympique in Oran on Tuesday, 27th September, with the invited players expected to confluence in the city of Constantine on Monday, 19th September.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo

Defenders: William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem, Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Kevin Akpoguma, Leon Balogun

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Richard Onyedika

Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Henry Onyekuru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chidera Ejuke, Cyriel Dessers, Terem Moffi

FIFA renders worldwide four-year ban on Orji Okonkwo

Former Nigeria junior international Orji Okonkwo has had his four-year ban for doping violation by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal extended worldwide by world football –governing body, FIFA.

In its ruling on the case for worldwide extension of the ban, brought before it by Italian NADO, Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio affirmed that the player had been cited properly, he has had the opportunity to state his case, the decision has been communicated properly, the decision complies with the regulations of FIFA and extending the sanctions does not conflict with public order or with accepted standards of behaviour.

“Consequently, the Committee decided to extend the sanction imposed on the player by the Italian NADO on 20 June 2022. More specifically, the player is sanctioned with a four (4) years suspension from all football-related activities in accordance with the Decision.”

The four-year ban on the player is between 25th February 2022 and 24th February 2026.

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