news-engine

Three Super Eagles players — Kelechi Nwakali, Gabriel Osho and Ryan Alebiosu — have learned their jersey numbers ahead of the new English Football League season. Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that fullback Alebiosu will wear the No. 2 shirt, the same number he wore during his maiden season at Ewood Park. The No. 2 appears to be Alebiosu's preferred shirt number, having also worn it during spells with KV Kortrijk, St Mirren and Crewe Alexandra. Meanwhile, centre-back Gabriel Osho has been handed the No. 4 shirt at Championship newcomers Cardiff City. Osho has worn several squad numbers throughout his career, most notably the No. 2 shirt during his Premier League spell with Luton Town before switching to No. 3 at AJ Auxerre. Alebiosu and Osho, who were both born in England, are cap-tied to the Super Eagles. Elsewhere, 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup-winning midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has retained the No. 50 shirt ahead of his club's season opener against Wigan Athletic in the EFL Cup. Nwakali saw his first-team opportunities limited last season and was forced to feature for the U21s after falling out with former manager Conor Hourihane. However, the former Golden Eaglets captain is back with the first team under new boss Daniel Stendel, featuring in pre-season matches against Scarborough Athletic and York City. Ifeanyi Emmanuel