Former Nigeria defender, Joseph Yobo, believes Super Eagles will impress during this month’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Gernot Rohr’s side will be making a return to the biennial tournament since Yobo captained them to their third title in 2013, having missed the 2015 and 2017 editions.
“I’ve played with a squad full of talented and established players, yet we finished third on three occasions [2002, 2004 and 2006],” Yobo told Sun Nigeria.
He added, “In 2013 we had an inexperienced squad, but we ended up as champions. Kudos to our late coach Stephen Keshi for such a brave move.
“Nigeria is a massive country. Football easily generates different opinions among the populace, because we all love the game.”
Nigeria three-time champions will compete against Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi in Group B at the Nations Cup.
They’ll open their Afcon campaign against Burundi on 22 June at the Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria.
The former Eagles skipper in hoping experienced midfielder Mikel Obi will help the younger players.
Nigeria’s 23-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (Rizespor, Turkey); William Ekong (Udinese, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Middlesbrough, England); 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); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal, Spain)
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