The 32nd edition of African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to be hosted by Cameroon in June and July 2019 as agreed in CAF executive meeting on 20th of July, 2017. The tournament is expected to host 24 teams unlike before when 16 teams fight for a place on the qualified list.
The fight for a slot on the 24 teams lists through qualification games by forty-eight (48) Africa Nations resume from Saturday, 8 September 2018; except Chad which was banned after withdrawing from the competition in 2017 on financial grounds. One of the important qualifier matches will be between Seychelles and Nigeria ― the least populated country in Africa (94,228) Vs the most populated country in Africa (190, 886,311)
Seychelles vs Nigeria
These two opponents in Group E have never played against each other before, making their match epochal and need to watch for all. CAF appointed Kenya referee, David Omweno who was among the two referees suspended for 3-month in 2016. The two countries need the match to have a better chance to qualify. Nigeria stands 3rd in the group after losing its last match to South Africa (0-2); Seychelles 4th (last) after losing its first match to Libya (5-1).
Rohr at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, August 24 announced his 23-man squad for the game with a recall for Galatasaray striker Onyekuru.
Onyekuru has been out with injury since Super Eagles 1-1 away draw at Algeria in November 2017 and miss the 2018 World Cup.
Without Mikel John Obi who has opted out of the game to properly recover from injury and Victor Moses who has quit the Super Eagles, Rohr gave a first-time call up to Rotherham United defender Semi Ajayi, Samuel Kalu who plays in France for Bordeaux and Jamilu Collins.
For the goalkeepers, Super Eagles boss has stuck with his three World Cup goalkeepers, Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi.
Ola Aina who was dropped on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup has been dropped but there is no space for veteran left-back Elderson Echiejile.
Arsenal youngster Kelechi Nwakali who is on loan at Porto B has also been called up.
Uche Agbo, Stephen Eze, Blessing Eleke and Musa Mohammed have been placed on standby.
Full squad for Seychelles game.
Goalkeepers:
Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho
Defenders: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun, Jamiu Collins, Kenneth Omeruo, Bryan Idowu, Semiu Ajayi
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi, Joel Obi, John Ogu, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kelechi Nwakali
Forward
Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, Simeon Nwankwo, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Samuel Kalu, Kelechi Iheanacho.
Date,time and venue
The match is scheduled for 8 September 2018 (13:30) at Stade Linite built in Roche Caiman in the outskirt of Seychelles Capital, Victoria. The stadium capacity is 10,000.