Head Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has made significant changes to the Super Eagles’ squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal.
The squad adjustments includes the omission of Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa while recalling defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Terem Moffi. These four players were absent from the team’s recent victory against Sao Tome and Principe in the 2023 AFCON qualifier.
Gift Orban, William Ekong and Tyronne Ebuehi were all dropped for the friendly game. Replacing the trio is Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, midfielder who plays for Hatayaspor FC in Turkey, has been called up to the squad. Meanwhile, Peseiro has chosen to retain the trio of Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, and Olorunleke Ojo as goalkeepers. Additionally, yet-to-be-capped defender Jordan Torunnarigha has received his call-up.
The squad also includes familiar faces, with Wilfred Ndidi, who captained the team in the previous match, Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Kelechi Iheanacho all receiving invitations.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in Portimão, Portugal, on Friday, 13th October 2023, with the match set to kick off at 5 pm. Subsequently, they will take on the Mambas of Mozambique in the same city three days later.
All players are expected to arrive in Faro, Portugal, on Tuesday, 10th October, in preparation for these crucial tune-up matches.
These friendly encounters have been arranged to fine-tune the Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. The team is set to host Lesotho’s Crocodiles in Uyo on 17th November, followed by an away match against Zimbabwe four days later.
ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City. England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele- Bashiru (Hatayaspor FC, Turkey)
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy): Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Photo Credit: Soar Super Eagles on X