NIGERIA VS EGYPT: Siasia names Moses, Iheanacho, 40 others

Super Eagles interim coach Samsion Siasia has invited 42 players to camp ahead of two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt.

The list released on Thursday evening comprises of 20 foreign-based and 22 local-based players.  

The Super Eagles play Group G rivals Egypt on 25 March in Kaduna and in Alexandria on 29 March.

Siasia picked West Ham United forward Victor Moses who is making his national team return after his last Super Eagles appearance in the 2-0 loss to France at the 2014 World Cup.

Arsenal's Alex Iwobi who also made the list is in line for his first competitive game. The 19-year-old has only made two substitute appearances against DR Congo and Cameroon in a friendly but he was on the bench for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Swaziland in November.

Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho is another Premier League player named in the squad to face Egypt.

Fanendo Adi, who plays for MLS champions Portland Timbers, has been handed his first call-up.

Leon Balogun is a surprise omission in the list, given his excellent form for Mainz in the German Bundesliga.

Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi also returned to the team. He was suspended for the first game in Kaduna after he received a straight red card against Chad in June 2015.

Siasia will open camp with the locally based players in Abuja this weekend.

Nigeria are two points behind leaders Egypt after two rounds of matches with only group winners guaranteed automatic qualification to the tournament in Gabon.

Nigeria squad:

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, SA)

Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa, Turkey); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Staneley Amuzie (Olhanense, Portugal)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Azubuike Okechukwu (Yeni Malatyaspor, Turkey), Victor Moses (West Ham United, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa and Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers, USA), Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor, Turkey), Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester. City, England)

Locally-based players:

Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Femi Thomas, Austin Oboroakpo, Kalu Orji, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Etim Matthew, Sincere Seth, Segun Oduduwa, Chima Akas, Chris Madaki, Oke Ogagatewho, Ifeanyi Matthew, Usman Mohammed, Etebo Oghenekaro, Stanley Dimgba, Yau Hassan, Ezeikel Bassey, Prince Aggreh, Bright Onyedikachi, Chisom Chikatara, Godwin Obaje, Emmanuel Daniel