Aneke thrilled to replace Osaze

Leading scorer in the NPL Jude Aneke has said he is thrilled to replace injured Osaze Odemwingie in the Eagles squad for matches against Botswana and Zambia. Last week, Kaduna United striker Aneke set a new all-time record in the NPL of 20 goals in a season.

"It's a surprise for me but I believe I deserve it just like Ahmed Musa scored 18 goals last season and was rewarded with a call-up to the Super Eagles," Aneke said. "It's been great for me to be where I am within two years of playing non-league football. The credit must go to my coach Maurice Cooreman.

"My next target is to make a good impression with the Eagles, if I get to play."

The 21-year-old is also set to join Belgian club Gent soon.

Osaze has been ruled out of the Eagles matches because of a knee injury he suffered in training.

The Eagles host Botswana in Benin City on Saturday and three days later they tackle Zambia in another friendly in Kaduna under new coach Stephen Keshi.

Nigeria will line up a formidable team as they begin again under a new head coach soon after the short reign of sacked coach Samson Siasia.