Nigeria’s Super Eagles left Nigeria on Wednesday afternoon to the United Kingdom, in preparation for the Russia FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 14.
This was after Coach Gernot Rohr had trimmed the 30-man provisional squad down to 25 ahead of the 2018 World Cup ahead of Saturday’s friendly against England.
Rohr has told Stephen Eze, Dele Ajiboye, Junior Lokosa and Uche Agbo they would not be needed in Russia.
Moses Simon remains with the travelling group to undergo tests on his thigh injury.
Nigeria will play with England on Saturday, June 2 and then leave for Austria before embarking on the journey to Russia, where they will face Croatia on 16 June.
According to NFF.com, Skipper Mikel John Obi was joined on the chartered flight from Abuja to London on Wednesday by deputy skipper Ogenyi Onazi, defender Kenneth Omeruo, pacy winger Ahmed Musa and 21 other players.
Mikel, Onazi, Omeruo, and Musa all represented Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, and alongside Chelsea FC wingback Victor Moses (who was also in Brazil and who will join the contingent in London) constitute the spine of a young squad inspired to dazzle the world in Russia.
The Super Eagles will train at the Wembley Stadium (venue of Saturday’s clash with England’s Three Lions) between 5pm-6pm on Friday, after a pre-match press conference scheduled for the Stadium’s conference room at 4.15pm.
Saturday’s encounter, the third official match between two countries with considerable historical affinity, will start at 5.15pm.
THE TEAM
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho; Daniel Akpeyi; Ikechukwu Ezenwa
Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu; Olaoluwa Aina; Tyronne Ebuehi; William Ekong; Leon Balogun; Chidozie Awaziem; Elderson Echiejile; Kenneth Omeruo; Bryan Idowu
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi; Mikel John Obi; Ogenyi Onazi; John Ogu; Mikel Agu; Oghenekaro Etebo; Joel Obi
Forwards: Odion Ighalo; Simeon Nwankwo; Alex Iwobi; Ahmed Musa; Kelechi Iheanacho. Moses Simon (further checks in the UK); Victor Moses (to join team in London).