Rohr could name 28 players in Nigeria’s squad for next year’s AFCON

The German tactician can pick as many as 28 players for the biennial continental showpiece scheduled for January and February next year 

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr will name 28 players in Nigeria’s squad for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations after CAF granted countries permission to have a 28-man squad due to Covid-19.

In a memo released to all participating countries, CAF said countries could name up to 28-players in their squad to provide room for a replacement if a player tests positive for Covid-19.

CAF is following UEFA’s blueprint after the European football governing body allowed countries to name 26-players in their squad for Euro 2020.

This decision means Rohr can have an expanded squad for the competition in Cameroon next year, and that could see Odion Ighalo included.

Soccernet had reported that the German tactician is set to hand the former Manchester United star a shock return to the national team ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, only three substitutes will be allowed per match plus one additional substitute should extra time be needed.

Nigeria have been drawn against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau. The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations runs from January 9 to February 6 2022.