OSBC
October 4, 2021
The Super Eagles camp for the 2022 World Cup qualifying games against Central African Republic(CAR) will open in Lagos on Monday (today).
The Eagles play CAR at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on September 7, before heading to Douala, Cameroon for the second leg three days later.
CAR are playing their home games in Cameroon after no stadiums in the country was deemed fit by CAF to host games. The Eagles go into the CAR games with a maximum six points after defeating Liberia and Cape Verde in their two opening fixtures.
Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr had earlier named a 23-man squad for the encounter, but had Alex Iwobi pull out due to injury. His replacement, Terel Moffi also got injured, paving the way for Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who is getting his maiden call-up to the national team.
The 24-year-old’s invitation comes after he scored a brace for Union in their 2-1 victory over Mainz in the German Bundesliga on Sunday. Awoniyi scored in the 69th and 73rd minutes for Union after Marcus Ingvartsen had earlier put Mainz ahead in the 39th minute.
His goals marked Union’s 100th and 101st Bundesliga goal.
Rohr had continued to overlook Awoniyi despite his impressive form since moving on a permanent deal from Liverpool in the summer. The forward has eight goals and two assists in 12 games across all competitions in the 2021/22 season.
Captain Ahmed Musa tops the players expected to land in camp early on Monday.
Musa posted a picture of himself on Instagram at the airport on his way to Nigeria to meet up with the Eagles.
The 28-year-old would be in line to make his 100th cap for the Super Eagles, becoming only the third player after Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama.
Rohr would not have the compliments of his midfield as Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi are also out injured.
