What is Nigeria's squad for the 2019 AFCON?
Nigeria has released a 25-man provisional squad list for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Here are the players featured:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy), Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey), Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), William Ekong (Udinese, Italy), Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain), Jamilu Collins (SC Paderborn 07, Germany), Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United, England).
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (without a club), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City, England), John Ogu (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel).
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia), Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi, Belgium), Moses Simon (Levante, Spain); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua, China), Alexander Iwobi (Arsenal, England), Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjylland, Denmark), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England), Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal, Spain).
Who is the head coach of Nigeria?
Gernot Rohr is the current head coach of Nigeria. After notable managerial spells with Bordeaux and Nice in the Ligue 1, the former German international has had a fair taste of coaching African sides in recent years. Prior to his appointment as the head coach of the Super Eagles in 2016, Rohr managed Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Who is Nigeria's star player?
Samuel Chukwueze
While there are a host of outstanding players in the ranks of the Super Eagles, the weight of the West African country could very much lie on the shoulder of the Villarreal attacker. The 20-year-old winger was a real revelation for the Yellow Submarine this season, terrorizing defenses with pace, skill and precision in front of goal.
Chukwueze ended the league campaign with a five goal return but was undoubtedly one of the standout performers in his side. In Egypt, the 2018 Nigeria Young Player of the Year award recipient will be hoping to light up the stage for the Super Eagles.
What are Nigeria's group fixtures at the 2019 AFCON?
Nigeria begins its AFCON journey by featuring against debutants Burundi. The Super Eagles will take on Guinea in the second game before they face-off with Madagascar in the final group game.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
What are the odds of Nigeria winning the 2019 AFCON?
The task will be quite daunting for the Super Eagles as the super-powers, namely Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, among others will all be present at the finals. Nonetheless, as the winners of the 2013 edition of the African championship, optimism remains high despite coming into the tournament on the back of a poor campaign at the FIFA World Cup.
On paper, it should be a smooth ride for Nigeria in the group stage coming up against Burundi, Madagascar, and Guinea. With head coach Gernot Rohr opting for a perfect blend of youth and experienced legs, a little more effort in the knockout phase could be the key to reaching farther this time around.
