The Super Eagles begin life post AFCON with two friendly games against Ghana and Mali in Marrakech, Morocco during the next international break.
Leading the Eagles into these friendlies will be former Nigerian winger, Finidi George. George's appointment is temporary, as the NFF searches for a permanent manager following the team's impressive run as AFCON finalists.
Fans will recognize George from his playing days with Ajax, Real Betis and Ipswich Town, among others.
He recently served as assistant coach to the departed Jose Peseiro during the 2024 AFCON tournament and is now poised to take the helm as the Super Eagles prepare for their international window fixtures.
George has already met with the team in Morocco and had a meeting with the squad.
Injury cloud looms over friendly matches
The NFF announced a 27-man roster for the upcoming friendlies, with a significant portion of the squad comprised of players who participated in the AFCON. Familiar names like Jamilu Collins, Cyriel Dessers, Nathan Tella, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are all making a return.
Unfortunately, there have been some late withdrawals due to injury. Luton Town defender, Gabriel Osho, who received his first call-up, will be unable to make his debut due to a knee injury.
Similarly, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has also been sidelined with a knock. Empoli defender Tyronne Ebuehi has suffered an injury that will not only keep him out of the upcoming friendlies but will likely sideline him for the rest of the season.
Adding to the uncertainty, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has also pulled out of the friendlies due to injury to further decimate George’s squad.
Possible lineup takes shape
Chippa United goalkeeper is expected to continue his Super Eagles education between the sticks after cementing the number 1 spot with his heroics at the AFCON.
The team will certainly feel the absence of captain William Troost-Ekong, who is recovering from surgery following the Nations Cup. However, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey are expected to continue their successful partnership as central defenders.
The right back position presents a challenge for Coach George. With Ola Aina absent from the squad and both Tyrone Ebuehi and Gabriel Osho unavailable due to injury, Bright Osayi-Samuel appears to be the frontrunner, assuming he is deemed fit to play after a recent altercation involving Fenerbache players and Trabzonspor fans in Turkey.
The left back position is also up for grabs, with Bruno Onyemaechi and the returning Jamilu Collins both vying for the starting spot. Based on his role behind the crocked Zaidu Sanusi during the AFCON and George's preferences, Bruno seems to have the edge.
The midfield picture is clearer. Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the AFCON due to injury, is back and poised to anchor an all England-based three-man midfield alongside Alex Iwobi from Fulham and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka.
Offensive options will be impacted by the absence of Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Victor Boniface due to injury. Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to lead the line, flanked by Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon in George's favoured 4-3-3 formation.
Here's a breakdown of the invited players for the Ghana and Mali friendlies
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Ojo Olorunleke
Defenders: Gabriel Osho, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Kenneth Omeruo, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Jamilu Collins, Benjamin Tianimu
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Nathan Tella, Victor Osimhen (withdrawn – status unclear), Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cyriel Dessers
Withdrawn from Super Eagles squad due to injury
Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi
