Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has handed a return call-up to goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, skipper Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and 20 others for this month’s international friendlies against Iran and Jordan, www.aclsports.com reports.
Okoye, who opted not to be at the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, has now returned to the side. Clubless Stanley Nwabali, who is the team’s number one goalkeeper, has been rightfully omitted from the squad. Francis Uzoho and Adeleye Adebayo join Okoye in the goalkeeping department.
Following a strong showing at the last AFCON, Calvin Bassey leads a cast of defenders that includes Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Igoh Ogbu. There is no place for Ola Aina, who missed the AFCON due to injury. However, Emmanuel Fernandez has been called up for the first time. Other first-time invitees include Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor.
In-form Paul Onuachu is expected to lead the line in the absence of Victor Osimhen, who has been excused from the window. The lanky striker is joined by Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, and a host of others.
The Super Eagles will take on Iran’s senior men football team in Antalya on Friday, 27th March (with kick off set for 4pm local time), and then the Jordan senior men national team on Tuesday, 31st March (with kick off set for 8pm local time).
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus).
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium).
