Football
Colin Udoh, Special to ESPN 6y

Lokosa, Simy to make Nigeria debuts vs. Democratic Republic of Congo

New Nigeria call-ups Junior Lokosa and Simeon Nwankwo will both make their Super Eagles debuts in Monday's international friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr told reporters at a press conference on Friday that both strikers will get a chance to dislodge one of the more established players in the squad.

"Simy is 50-50 to go to the World Cup," Rohr began, "but he and Junior [Lokosa] will play on Monday.

"They will get a chance to show us what they can do, and get a chance to go to the World Cup."

However, Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will play no part in the friendly after picking up an injury late in the season.

"He is recovering," Rohr continued. "We are working on a programme with Leicester City to get him back to fitness, but he will not play on Monday.

"Maybe he may be ready for England, we don't know."

Lokosa has scored 18 goals so far for Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Professional Football League, and became the first player ever to net 16 goals at the halfway point of the season.

However, Rohr also hinted that the Pillars frontman might not make the final 23.

"Even if he does not go," the coach continued, "he is training well with the team and the experience will help him in his club."

Simy netted seven goals in 23 Serie A outings last term, but was unable to save Crotone from relegation to the Italian second tier.

^ Back to Top ^