Nigeria’s preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is expected to reach another dimension after next Monday’s friendly with Congo Democratic Republic in Port Harcourt.
Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr submitted a 30-man provisional list for the World Cup on Monday, May 14 and he is expected to bring down the number to twenty-three before the competition starts on June 14.
Twenty-nine of the thirty players listed in the provisional squad are already in Uyo preparing for the Mundial, with the exception of Chelsea’s Victor Moses who was granted an extended rest after what was a gruelling season.
“We will see by the end of the week and after the match in Port Harcourt (on Monday) if we will reduce the list,” Rohr told a press conference in Uyo on Friday.
“I think we will take twenty-five (players) only to London and after the match (against England) we will have to reduce again because we will have to present twenty-three players in our final list.”
Amidst growing speculations that the coach might extend invitation to youngster Kelechi Nwakali after his impressive performance against Atletico Madrid on Monday, Rohr insists it was impossible.
“You cannot say that we should take some players after the holiday match against Atletico. They came with a second team and the plan was to see them (our players) for the future. I have no regrets with my selection.
My real regret is that people talk about players not on the list than those on the list. This is not fair as we have many interesting players on that team as well,” added Rohr.
Nigeria will face Congo DR at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Monday.
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