The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) announced on Saturday the list of 26 Super Eagles called up for the upcoming FIFA break in March.
This marks the first list since the departure of former coach José Peseiro on March 1st. However, there’s uncertainty regarding who compiled the list, as no official announcement has been made by the NFF regarding an interim coach, despite the call for applications for the coaching position being launched just on Friday.
Following the cancellation of the match against Argentina, the runners-up of Africa will face Ghana in a 100% Anglophone clash on March 22nd, followed by Mali, quarter-finalists of the last AFCON 2023, four days later. Both matches will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, as announced by the NFF. With some returning players and 2 newcomers.
Several notable absences among the AFCON finalists are immediately noticeable. These include captain William Troost-Ekong, sidelined due to a bruise, Ola Aina, out of action for several weeks, and Zaidu Sanusi, who is seriously injured. Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, disappointing at the AFCON and relegated to the bench, Nice’s Terem Moffi, veteran Ahmed Musa, striker Paul Onuachu, and midfielder Joe Aribo are also excluded by choice. Victor Boniface, who missed the AFCON due to injury and has just returned to the pitch, will also be absent.
Alongside key players Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Moses Simon, we see the returnees Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad), seeking redemption after his controversial injury that allowed him to play again during the AFCON with Real Sociedad, Wilfried Ndidi (Leicester), who missed the last AFCON, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor), Jamila Collins (Cardiff), Nathan Tella (Leverkusen), Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham), and Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli). There’s also a significant return for Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers), not called up since November 2022.
Two newcomers make their debut. They are central defenders Gabriel Osho (25 years old, Luton), a dual national born in England, and Benjamin Tanimu (21 years old), who plays for the Tanzanian side Ihefu SC. They might earn their first caps in two weeks.
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