Three Winners, Three Losers From Nigeria's Latest Squad Announcement

The handwriting was already on the wall for the players who have not played much for their clubs this season, the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Uche Agbo but quite while the national team handlers decided to leave out inspirational skipper, John Obi Mikel is still in the melting pot.

That said, there is a surprise call up for Enyimba sensation, Valentine Ozornwafor who dazzled at the U-20 AFCON held in Niger this year.

Below, we will look at the three winners and three losers from the just released list..

Winners

Valentine Ozornwafor (Enyimba): While most Nigerians were of the opinion that the Flying Eagles under-performed in their African Cup Of Nations adventure in Niamey where they contrived to finish fourth, there is no hiding the central defender did well to bolster his reputation with a number of impressive displays.

The bane of the team was surely not keeping out goals but their inactivity at the other end of the pitch. Ozornwafor started and went the distance in each of the five games they contested in the tournament, as part of the defense which conceded just once.

This is surely a huge step in his young career as he will get the chance to train alongside the stars in his position.

Paul Onuachu (Midtjylland): Onuachu's inclusion here is well deserved. After a fruitful season in the Danish Superliga which has produced 14 goals from just 20 games, Rohr could not turn down the opportunity to work with the 24-year-old.

This has been long time coming with the striker having reached double figures for goals scored with his club for three straight seasons.

Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta): Uzoho was in danger of missing out here, having not played for two months no thanks to the medical certificate scandal which has threatened to put his stay with Anorthosis in disarray.

Thankfully, he will now get the chance to make his tenth Super Eagles appearance or more if he is utilised in any of the upcoming debut.

Losers:

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City): Iheanacho's fortunes at the King Power had long been dwindling without trace. For most part of this season, the 22-year-old has found it difficult breaking fully into the Foxes first team.

He has made just nine league starts from a possible 29 games, with Jamie Vardy well above him in the pecking order of attackers at the club.

That has surely taken its toll as his omission was the first he has had to contend with since 2015.

Isaac Success (Watford): Success will most probably blame his recent fitness problems for his latest peril.

After a fine early start to his season with the Hornets which saw him score in all the competitions they have contested in this season, the striker has been dogged by injury and fitness issues recently which has seen him fail to take to the pitch in any of their last six games.

He will, foremost turn his attentions now to regaining his stand with the club and getting substantial game time under his belt if he must be considered for the tournament proper.

Brian Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow): Idowu's little or no activity this year, it must be said, have contrived to cost him dearly here.

The full-back who was the Super Eagles first choice at the World Cup in Russia last year has fallen behind particularly with the likes of Ola Aina and Jamilu Collins impressing for their clubs.