Failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup because eliminated in the play-offs by the Ghana, Nigeria will console themselves by facing Portugal in a prestigious friendly match on November 17 in Lisbon. To challenge the Seleção, future opponent of… Ghana, in Group H of the World Cup, the Portuguese coach of the Super Eagles, José Peseiro, unveiled this Friday his list of 23 players selected.
Alongside headliners like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, William Ekong and Samuel Chukwueze, there are two Ligue 1 players: Nantes player Moses Simon and striker Terem Moffi, who scored goal after goal with Lorient ( 9 altogether). At the same time, two new players are appearing: Bruno Onyemaechi, 23-year-old central defender at Boavista and “local stage”, plus the right piston Bright Osayi-Samuel (24, Fenerbahçe), who grew up in England and went through Blackpool and QPR.
If Kelechi Iheanacho pays for his low playing time in Leicester by his absence, the side Tyronne Ebuehi and the striker Paul Onuachu on the other hand celebrate their return after several months of absence.
Nigeria roster vs Portugal
Guardians : Maduka Okoye (Watford FC, England); Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)
Defenders : William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Calvin Bassey (Ajax FC, Netherlands); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany); Chidiebube Duru (Rivers United); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)
Midfielders : Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece)
Attackers : Moses Simon (Nantes FC, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Terem Moffi (Lorient, France); Paul Onuachu (Genk FC, Belgium); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest, England)
