Football : Nigeria unveils squad for March friendly matches without Troost-Ekong or Aina
After the departure of José Peseiro and the absence of a designated coach, Nigeria, the runner-up of the 2023 AFCON, is gearing up to face Ghana and Mali in two friendly matches scheduled for this month of March. The Nigerian Football Federation has announced a list of 27 players for these matches, highlighting a combination of young talents and experienced players.
Among the attackers called up for these matches, familiar names such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Kelechi Iheanacho are featured. Umar Sadiq, who was absent during the AFCON due to injury, has also been called up to join the team, alongside Calvin Bassey and Osayi-Samuel, thus strengthening the defensive line.
However, the list is marked by the notable absence of defender William Troost-Ekong, voted the best player of the 2023 AFCON. Troost-Ekong is currently injured, suffering from a bruise that renders him unavailable for these friendly matches. Similarly, Ola Aina, who could have bolstered the defense, is also absent due to an injury that will keep him sidelined for several weeks. Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Boniface will also miss out on these encounters.
The complete list of called-up players is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Francis Ozuho, Olorunleke Ojo Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Jamelu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem, Gabriel Osho, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tyronne Ebuehi, Benjamin Tianimu Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfried Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Delle-Bashiru Forwards: Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Ademola Lookman, Umar Sadiq, Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cyriel Dessers
The Nigerian selection is thus preparing for these challenges without some of its usual pillars, but with a team that will have to demonstrate its cohesion and potential for these friendly matches.
