Ebuehi, Onuachu return as Bruno, Samuel earn first Nigeria call up for Portugal friendly

Head Coach of Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro has extended an inaugural national team call ups to the duo of Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi Samuel for the prestige friendly encounter against World Cup favorites, Portugal.

Both players who are defenders are based in Portugal and Turkey are among the 23 man list of invited players for the friendly against the Cristiano Ronaldo led Selecao.

Coach Peseiro also looked in the direction of wing back Tyronne Ebuehi who will be making a long-awaited return to the fold alongside in form Gent striker, Paul Onuachu to the three-time African champions.

Other notable names in the roster are captain William Ekong, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

There are also spaces for defenders Calvin Bassey and Kevin Akpoguma, midfielders Ayodele-Aribo and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

Thursday’s encounter at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon will kick off at 18.45pm Portugal time (19.45pm in Nigeria)

Goalkeepers: 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, The 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)

Forwards: Moses Simon (Nantes FC, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Terem Moffi (Lorient FC, France); Paul Onuachu (Genk FC, Belgium); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest, England)