Head Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has made some notable additions to the Super Eagles’ squad, recalling defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Terem Moffi. The decision to bring back these players was announced in a statement by Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). The players will feature in the upcoming international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, to be held in Portugal this month.
Notably absent from the squad that recently dominated Sao Tome and Principe in the 2023 AFCON qualifier, these players are expected to bring their expertise and contribute to the team’s success in the forthcoming matches. The inclusion of midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, from Hatayaspor FC in Turkey, marks his first-ever invitation to the national team. Additionally, Peseiro has opted to retain the goalkeeping trio of Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, and Olorunleke Ojo.
Another fresh face in the squad is defender Jordan Torunnarigha, who is yet to make his international debut. The statement also mentioned that 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 have also been invited to join the squad.
The Super Eagles are set to face the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia on October 13th at Portimão in Portugal, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Three days later, they will take on the Mambas of Mozambique in the same city. The players are expected to arrive in Faro, Portugal on October 10th.
These friendlies have been organized to provide crucial preparation for the Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. The Nigerian team, which has been crowned African champions three times, will host Lesotho’s Crocodiles in Uyo on November 17th before traveling to face Zimbabwe four days later.
Here is the full list of all the players invited to the squad:
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).
NAN
