Peseiro names Musa, Ekong, 23 others to face Algeria in Oran

Nigerian new head coach Jose Peseiro

• Orji Okonkwo Earns FIFA’s Worldwide Four-year Ban

Head Coach, José Santos Peseiro, has opted for the captain, Ahmed Musa; deputy captain, William Ekong; and 23 other players to take on former African champions, Algeria, in an international friendly match in the Algerian town of Oran on Tuesday, September 27.

Defenders are William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem, Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Kevin Akpoguma and Leon Balogun. Midfielders are Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Richard Onyedika   Forwards include Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Henry Onyekuru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chidera Ejuke, Cyriel Dessers and Terem Moffi.

MEANWHILE, former Nigeria junior international, Orji Okonkwo, has had his four-year ban for doping violation by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal extended worldwide by the world football governing body, FIFA.   In its ruling on the case for the worldwide extension of the ban, brought before it by Italian NADO, Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio, affirmed that the player had been cited properly, and had the opportunity to state his case, the decision communicated properly, in line with the regulations of FIFA and extending the sanctions does not conflict with public order or with accepted standards of behaviour.   “Consequently, the committee decided to extend the sanction imposed on the player by the Italian NADO on 20 June 2022. More specifically, the player is sanctioned with four years suspension from all football-related activities in accordance with the decision.”   The four-year ban started on February 25, 2022, and will end on February 24, 2026. 

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