Mikel, Iwobi, Uzoho arrives Morocco ahead of Russia 2018 WC Qualifier

Nigeria captain Mikel Obi and young Deportivo La Coruna  goalkeeper Francis Uzoho as well as Chippa United custodian Daniel Akpeyi are expected to arrive in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday as the Super Eagles begin their preparations  ahead of their   Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Constantine  on Friday.

Meanwhile, much-maligned Turkey-based defender Kenneth Omeruo will look to resurrect his international career after he was invited by Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr for the Algeria clash and the   friendly fixture against South American powerhouse Argentina in Krasnodar, Russia,   on November 14.

Kasımpasa star Omeruo, who was placed on the standby list by Rohr reported to the Eagles’camp  in Rabat on Monday after he was asked to replace Ogenyi Onazi, who withdrew from the upcoming fixtures at the weekend along with Moses  Simon due to injuries. Belgium-based attacker Simon was replaced with Girona forward Olarenwaju Kayode, who also arrived in the North African country from Spain on Monday.

South Africa 2013 winner Omeruo  last played for  the  national  team  in  their  1-1 draw against Senegal in March, while Manchester City forward  Olarenwaju, who is on a season-long loan deal at Girona, has not been invited since he made his international debut in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against  South Africa in Uyo in June. Nigeria lost to Bafana Bafana 2-0.

China-based striker Odion Ighalo and Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses  have long been ruled out of the clashes due to injuries.

The Nigeria Football Federation, who confirmed the development on their official website on Monday, said 15 players had arrived in Rabat.

Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi, Mikel Agu and goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa arrived in Morocco with the coaching staff on Sunday.

 Other players who reported on Monday are Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Chidiebere Nwakali, Kelechi Iheanacho, Uche Agbo, Chidozie Awaziem, John Ogu and Anthony Nwakaeme.

The Eagles have already qualified for Russia 2018  after winning four of their five qualifiers to lead Group B, which also houses African champions Cameroon and Zambia, on 13 points.

However, Rohr  has promised to field a strong team for the   Constantine encounter at  Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui.

On Saturday, the Nigerian team will fly aboard a chartered flight to Krasnodar for the friendly against Argentina.