By Victor Kanayo
Super Eagles Head Coach José Santos Peseiro has opted for captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong and 23 other players to take on former African champions Algeria in an international friendly match in the Algerian town of Oran on Tuesday September 27, 2022.
Incidentally, two hitmen – Victor Osimhen of Napoli and his compatriot with Spain’s Real Sociedad Sadiq Umar were excluded due to injuries both players are currently nursing injuries.
The coach then called up goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi and Cyriel Dessers.
Only Richard Onyedika, of Belgian top team, Club Brugge, is a new face in the group.
Germany –based defender Kevin Akpoguma also returns to the fold.
Three –time African champions Nigeria and two-time African champions Algeria clash at the 40,000 Stade Olympique in Oran with the invited players expected to confluence in the city of Constantine on Monday September 19, 2022.
Other invited players are Adeleye Adebayo (goalkeeper), Olaoluwa Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, Leon Balogun (defenders).
There were also invitations for Frank Onyeka (midfielder), Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, Henry Onyekuru, Chidera Ejuke and Terem Moffi (Forwards).
Both countries failed to qualify for 2022 World Cup earlier in the year.
