Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf has explained why outfield players from the Nigerian Professional Football League were excluded from the two international friendly matches against Senegal and Burkina Faso later this month in London.

FC IfeanyiUbah goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa is the only NPFL player who made the shortlist of the invited players for the games but Yusuf claimed that the technical crew are keen to try out some new players playing in Europe before handing an opportunity to some players plying their trade in the NPFL in subsequent games.

Those players include Hannover 96 striker Noah-Joel Sarenren-Bazee, right-back Tyronne Ebuehi from ADO Den Haag, Uche Agbo, Chidoize Awaziem and Victor Osimhen.

On his preparation for the African Nations Championship in Kenya next year, Yusuf added that he has scouted some players who will be invited to the team.“So far I have seen quality wingers in the legue and some good defensive midfielders who I think could break into the main team,” Yusuf added.“Sikiru Olatunbosun was part of the team that travelled to Spain with us on the La Liga Santander tour and he has improved.

Report by Miyen Akiri