Kelechi Nwakali, Victor Osimhen missing from final squad for Senegal

The two best players from the victorious U-17 world champions, Golden Eaglets Kelechi Nwakali and Victor Osimhen have been left of the final Dream Team IV squad for the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations,in Senegal.

Samson Siaisa just released his final 21-man list for the tournament and none of the Golden Eaglets players were included.

According to reports, Nwakali and Osimhen have been sidelined by malaria and injury which ruled then out from the tournament.

Siasia also listed four foreign-based players including Taiwo Awoniyi from German second division side FSV Frankfurt,Junior Ajayi of Tunisian club CS Sfaxien, Isaac success from La Liga side Granada as well as midfielder Azubuike Okechukwu, who is based in Turkey.

Nigeria will begin their campaign on Sunday against Mali in Mbour before battling Egypt on Wednesday, November 2 in Mbour and three days later play their final group B match against Algeria in Dakar.

The top three teams will qualify automatically for next year’s Olympics in Rio.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers), Yusuf Mohammed (Kano Pillars), Emmanuel Iwu (Heartland)

Defenders: Sincere Seth (Supreme Court FC), Seun Oduduwa (Nath Boys), Zaharadeen Bello (Kano Pillars), Seun Olubayo (Sunshine Stars), Chizoba Amaefule(Dolphins), Ebuka Iroha (Diamond Football Academy).

Midfielders: Ndifreke Effiong (Abia Warriors), Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba),Tiongoli Tobara (Bayelsa United), Bature Yaro (Nasarawa United), Oghenekaro Etebo (Warri Wolves), Azubuike Okechukwu (Yeni Matalatyaspor/Turkey), Godspower Aniefiok (Kano Pillars), Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves).

Forward: Kufre Ebong (Warri Wolves),Junior Ajayi (CS Sfaxien/Tunisia), Taiwo Awoniyi (FSV Frankfurt/Germany),Isaac Success (Granada CF/Spain).