Junior LokosaShengolpix

Ex-Nigeria international Taju Disu drums support for Junior Lokosa

Former Nigeria international Taju Disu is delighted with the prospects of current Nigeria Professional Football League leading scorer Junior Lokosa making it to the World Cup in Russia.

The 18-goal striker made the Super Eagles' 30-man preliminary squad for the global showpiece and is likely to be given the nod in attack in Monday's friendly against DR Congo.

Disu believes the Kano Pillars man - as well as goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Ajiboye - deserves his chance and 'pray' he makes the final 23-man squad for the World Cup.

"It's a good development and something I'd always appreciate and support," Disu told Goal.

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"Some of these players playing at home I think like we saw against Atletico Madrid we have some quality players among them. If only we can continue giving them chances to play friendly matches, to be invited to the senior national team, I think we have quality players.

Lokosa PS

"The fact that these guys know that even playing at home for you to get to the national team is war, then they have to look outside.

"During my time, players in Europe like John Chidozie and Tunji Banjo were on the bench. They couldn't break into the national team where you have Segun Odegbami and the likes. John Fashanu also came but could not make it.

"African leagues are tough, but the referees mostly make a mess of it.

"I'm happy for Lokosa, unfortunately, we have only one outfield player in the list. [However] I appreciate [Gernot] Rohr for doing this. And I pray he makes the final list for the World Cup."

Coach Gernot Rohr is expected to name his final 23-man squad soon. They take on England at Wembley on June 2 and wrap up preparation for the World Cup with another friendly against Czech Republic on June 6.

They are pitted against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Group D at the World Cup.

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