Kelechi Nwakali, SD Huesca midfielder, is set to join up with Nigeria in Abuja at the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Cameroon from 9 January to 6 February 2022. Our no.8 has been named in the Nigeria squad for the tournament, together with other African players in Spain, such as Chukwueze (Villarreal CF), Omeruo (CD Leganés) or Sadiq (UD Almería). Although this is the first time Nwakali is called up to the Nigeria squad at senior level, he does know well what it is to wear the ‘Super Eagles’ shirt, since coming into the 2015 U-17 World Cup, he led his country to the title, winning the Golden Ball Award along the way.
The national team, three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, will face Egypt (Tuesday 11 January, kick-off 5p.m. GMT+1), Sudan (Saturday 15 January, kick-off 5p.m. GMT+1) and rookie Guinea Bissau (Wednesday 19 January, kick-off 8p.m. GMT+1) in the group stage. Augustine Eguavoen’s side hope to qualify for the round of 16, which is due to be held on 23 January.
The dates for the following knockout rounds are as follows:
- Quarter-finals: From 29 January
- Semi-finals: From 2 February
- Third-placed play-off: 6 February
- Final: 6 February. Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé
