By Francis Ajuonuma
Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho has been overlooked by Super Eagles First Assistant Coach, Salisu Yusuf ahead of the prestigious international friendly matches against the national teams of Mexico and Ecuador in the United States of America.

Uzoho, who was in post for the Super Eagles in the double-header world cup final phase qualifying fixtures against the Black Stars of Ghana, which the three-time African champions eventual lost to miss out from the 2022 Mundial in Qatar, was conspicuously missing from the list of 30 players called up to camp by Coach Yusuf for the two international friendlies.

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Also missing from the 30-man list are Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho and Odion Ighalo.

However, Everton’s newfound wingback, Alex Iwobi, and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made a return to the team after missing the games against the Ghanaians in March.

Leading the list of invited players including Captain Ahmed Musa, forward Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Sadiq Umar, Emmanuel Dennis, Cyriel Dessers, Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Zaidu Sanusi, William Ekong and Leon Balogun.

The three –time African champions will clash with CONCACAF powerhouse Mexico at the AT & T Stadium in Dallas, State of Texas on Saturday, 28th May, before flying to New Jersey to tackle Ecuador at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison on Thursday, 2nd June.

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Yusuf, who is also Head Coach of the CHAN and the U23 teams, included eight home–based professional players in the list which include Adewale Adeyinka, Ojo Olorunleke, Ibrahim Buhari, Victor Mbaoma, Ishaq Rafiu, Isa Ali, Chiamaka Madu, and Babatunde Afeez Nosiru
Only 25 players will make the final list for the tour, which is preparatory to next month’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Sierra Leone in Abuja (9th June) and São Tomé & Príncipe in Marrakech, Morocco (13th June).

Also called up are Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ibrahim Buhari, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo, Azubuike Okechukwu, Samson Tijani, and Alhassan Yusuf.