Nigeria’s Super Eagles would be in action soonest as the race for the World Cup begins with qualifiers in the African continent.
The three-time African Champions will be regrouping later this month as they kick off their qualifying campaign early next month.
But with the Super Eagles squad yet to be announced, there is a level of anticipation as manager Gernot Rohr gets set to name his 23 man squad for those games.
The Nigerian side would be facing a doubleheader during the International break as they square up against sides like Liberia and the Central African Republic (CAR).
With the squad set to be made public soonest, we take a look at three (3) Nigerian stars that are pushing for a possible call-up to the Nigerian team in the days ahead.
Anthony Nwakaeme (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
The Super Eagles hopeful Anthony Nwakaeme will hope he’s given a recall to the National team for a crucial game involving the West African giant in the month of September.
Nwakaeme has not hidden his keenness to return to the Eagles fold after his maiden debut against Algeria some years back.
The big forward will be aiming for a return to Gernot Rohr’s team after some strings of fine performances he's shown at club level.
He started the season in superior form as he scored and made an assist in his side's 5-1 win over host Yeni Malatyaspor on Monday Night Football.
Such form could see him gate crash into the Nigerian Squad as he inspired his team (Trabzonspor) to a massive opening day win of the season in Turkey.
Calvin Bassey (Rangers, Scotland)
The Italian-born left-back of Nigerian descent have been in the news in the Nigerian circle for his wonderful showings on the pitch. He’s started the seasons on a bright note as he's making assists from his intelligent crossing ability.
His form may have been attracting the attention of Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr with a place in the team. He was in superb form when they drew 2-2 with Arsenal in Pre-Season.
So expect him to keep knocking at the door of the team as far as the Super Eagles team is concerned with a potential place in the left-back position.
Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany)
The former Liverpool striker would be hoping to get a call up to the National team after much wait in his career.
He’s stormed to life at Union Berlin after switching to the club on a permanent basis from EPL side Liverpool. The move seems to be paying off as he’s registered his name on the score sheet on the opening day of the Bundesliga season.
He scored again as his side thumped Finnish side KuPS 4-0 in the Europa Conference League first leg player-off tie on Tuesday.
This time he scored a brace in that match and that could give him the chance to be called up for next month's doubleheader in the World Cup qualifiers when the list is announced to the public.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
