THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the names of 18 players that will represent the country in the international friendly with Costa Rica on November 10.
None of Nigeria’s numerous foreign stars made the list. Instead, all 18 players are from clubs playing in the Nigerian Professional Football League.
In the statement released on Friday, the NFF confirmed that Super Eagles assistant head coach Salisu Yusuf picked the players on the roster.
Familiar faces on the list include Super Eagles B goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Olympic Eagles first-choice shot-stopper Nathaniel Nwosu and midfielder Afeez Nosiru.
Others are defenders Daniel Bameyi, Chidiebere Nwobodo, Evans Ogbonda, midfielders Nosiru, Qudus Akanni, and forwards Sunday Faleye and Edidiong Ezekiel.
The match between Nigeria and Costa Rica – the first-ever meeting between the two former continental champions – is billed for the National Stadium in San Jose.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica have invited 26 players for the international friendly.
La Tricolor are set to participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this month and have put together a list comprising some of their best stars in Europe and America.