Nigeria Football Federation are set to unveil a strong 24-man Super Eagles squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, with head coach Eric Chelle naming some of the country’s biggest stars for the high-profile encounters.
The three-time African champions will take on Poland on June 3 before facing World Cup-bound Portugal seven days later in what promises to be two major tests for the national team ahead of future competitive fixtures.
An analysis of the squad expected to be officially announced in the coming days shows a balanced selection featuring three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders, and seven forwards.
One of the biggest talking points from the list is the inclusion of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who is set to receive his maiden call-up to the Super Eagles senior team.
The highly-rated shot-stopper will battle with Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho for the number one position.
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has also been included after overcoming recent fitness concerns.
The former Everton star recently returned from injury during Fulham’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers after spending nearly a month on the sidelines, with the club’s medical staff now clearing him for international duty.
As expected, Nigeria’s attack will be spearheaded by reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen alongside Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman.
The forward line also boasts the presence of Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams, giving Chelle an impressive range of attacking options ahead of the European friendlies.
Defensively, Rangers centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez has earned a place in the squad alongside regulars Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Igoh Ogbu.
The midfield department includes experienced names such as Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi, while Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Alhassan Yusuf complete the selection.
Nigeria’s Expected 24-Man Squad
Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo
Defenders:
Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Emmanuel Fernandez, Igoh Ogbu
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi
