The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday in Abuja released a 35-man list for the Nigerian under-23 male team expected to participate in the forthcoming 2016 Rio Olympics.
A statement on the federation’s website disclosed that Super Eagles’ captain John Mikel Obi, Daniel Akpeyi, Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona and Kelechi Iheanacho made the list.
Players who have had experience playing in the national senior team constitute half of those on the 35-man list.
A final list of 18 players would be drawn up before the trip to Rio in Brazil for the Games.
The Olympic football team will depart the country next week for a final training camp in the U.S. ahead of the Games scheduled to hold from Aug. 5 to Aug. 21.
The statement disclosed that the team’s Head Coach, Samson Siasia, opted for a final training camp in Atlanta, U.S. in order to “psychologically prepare my boys for victory in Brazil”.
Atlanta was venue of Nigeria’s historic triumph at the Games 20 years ago, when they beat Brazil and Argentina on the way to success.
It was the first Olympic football gold medal for Africa.
Already, the NFF has confirmed that there would be a friendly match between the team and the under-23 national team of Mexico in Mexico City on July 2.
FULL LIST
Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa FC, South Africa), Yusuf Bala (Kano Pillars), Emmanuel Daniel (Rangers International), Taiwo Abdulrahman (Kwara United), Ndubuisi Agu (FC Porto, Portugal)
Junior Ajayi (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Stanley Amuzie (Olhanense FC, Portugal), Taiwo Awoniyi (Frankfurt FC, Germany), Okechukwu Azubuike (Yeni Malatyaspor, Turkey), Etor Daniel (Enyimba FC)
Augustine Dimgba (Sunshine Stars), William Ekong (Haugesund FC, Norway), Saturday Erimuya (Kayseri Erciyespor, Turkey), Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense FC, Portugal), Imoh Ezekiel (Anderlecht, Belgium)
Saviour Godwin (Ostende, Belgium), Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England), Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England), Emiloju Julius (MFM FC)
Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England), Musa Muhammed (Istanbul Basaksehir, Turkey), Usman Muhammed (CF Uniao, Portugal), Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium)
Erhun Obanor (MFM FC), Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea FC, England), Sodiq Saliu (Seraing FC, Belgium), Abdullahi Shehu (CF Uniao, Portugal)
Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium), Seth Sincere (Rhapsody FC), Ndifreke Udo (Abia Warriors), Aminu Umar (Osmalispor, Turkey), Sadiq Umar (AS Roma, Italy).
