As preparations for the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on June 21 in Egypt, enter top gear, Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, on Sunday released a 23-man squad leaving out Leicester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho and Rottherham United player, Semiu Ajayi.

 

The two players did not feature in Saturday’s friendly match against Zimbabwe which ended in a goalless draw at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

 

Iheanacho, who was part of the team for the qualifiers, failed to make the final cut as a result of his lack of playing time with his club in England, while Ajayi, who was player of the month for his English Championship side last season, failed to measure up in training.

 

Indications that Rohr was going to drop Iheanacho who has also featured for premier league side, Manchester emerged yesterday when he was not featured for the friendly against Zimbabwe at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

 

All throughout last week, Rohr had hinted that only players that were in form would be make the 23-man squad for the tournament.

 

The team will fly out today from Asaba to the host country, Egypt, where they will set up training camp in the city of Ismailia for further preparations for another friendly match against the Teranga Lions of Senegal on June 16.

 

The Super Eagles who have won the Continental trophy for three times will trail tackle with Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar in Group B.

 

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi.

 

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins.

 

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi, Wilfred Ndidi, Okenekaro Etebo, John Ogu.

 

Forward: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze.