Nigeria camp swells as 20 players arrive for Saudi Arabia, Mozambique friendly

By Wale Mustapha

The camp of Nigeria national team has started bubbling with the arrival of 20 players on the first day ahead of the international friendlies with Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.

The Super Eagles as Nigeria men’s national team are called are due to take on Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in Portimão, Portugal on Friday by 5pm before engaging the Mambas of Mozambique three days later at the same venue.

Coach Jose Peseiro has called up 25 players for the two friendlies that will be used as preparatory for the team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers coming up in November.

The 20 players in camp for the friendlies are:  Francis Uzoho, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Jordan Torunarigha, Kenneth Omeruo, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Ayodele-Aribo.

Others are Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Chidozie Awaziem.

The trio of Raphael Onyedika, Kekechi Iheanacho, and new invitee Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are expected to arrive later on Wednesday, bringing the number to 23 on the second day of camp opening.

Goalkeeping duo Olorunleke Ojo and Adebayo Adeleye are two of the unexpected arrivals, leaving Uzoho as the only goalkeeper at the disposal of the three-time African champions for both matches.