Arsenal youngster, Alex Iwobi and Bulgaria-based Oshobe Oladele were among six overseas-based professionals that trained on Monday with the Nigeria Under-23 national team ahead of an All-Africa Games qualifier against Gabon.
Abdullahi Gero, Atanda Sodiq, Popoola Salisu and Paul Onwachi, were alongside the aforementioned duo in a cheerful mood during an evening session inside the main bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja.
The players were invited by coach Samson Siasia following their impressive performances during the Dream Team VI screening exercise in December.
Addressing the players, coach Siasia expressed delight at their prompt response to national duty, urging them to now focus on beating Gabon.
He said: “There are so many Nigerians out there who can also play for this team, but you all must show to Nigerians that you have what it takes to be the next class of Super Eagles, and for you to achieve that you must convince the nation on the field of play with your performance.”
Centre-back Sodiq, 21, plies his trade with Albanian club KF Apolonia Fier, while Haskovo of Belgium midfielder Oladele has been described as a creative midfielder. Former Enugu Rangers forward Alhaji Gero currently features for Danish Superliga side Viborg.
Iwobi- Austin ‘jay jay’ Okocha’s nephew- has figured for Arsenal U-21 team on a regular basis this season as well as captaining the side’s Uefa Youth League team. He was named in the substitute bench for the first team’s trip to Istanbul in December.
The first leg of the 11th All-Africa Games qualifier against Gabon comes up in Libreville on Saturday, 21 February.
