AFCON 2024: Maduka, Balogun, Awoniyi among notable names missing in Peseiro’s provisional 40-man list

Coach Jose Peseiro has unveiled Nigeria’s provisional 40-man list for the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Maduka Okoye, Odion Ighalo and Leon Balogun are among notable names missing in the shortlist to CAF for the continental competition.

Balogun has been a regular in the Super Eagles since 2014, while Okoye was the team’s goalkeeper in the 2021 AFCON.

Odion Ighalo on the other hand, recently returned to the Super Eagles squad, but has been dropped for the tournament.

Injured Taiwo Awoniyi is also absent as expected, due to his injury.

However, Ahmed Musa, despite limited recent appearances, and Kelechi Nwakali, former Golden Eaglets’ captain, are part of the provisional squad.

The list comprises six goalkeepers, 13 defenders, eight midfielders, and 13 attackers.

Notable names include Francis Uzoho, Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, and Victor Osimhen, who leads the attack front, alongside the likes of Terem Moffi, Umar Sadiq, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze.

Meanwhile, the squad will further be trimmed to 27 players for the final tournament, which kicks off on January 13, 2024.