The Super Eagles will be without the charismatic leaders in Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman for the international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal but it has not dampened the team spirit.
Nigeria will play Poland on Wednesday and seven days later they take on World Cup bound Portugal -coming off the back of their Unity Cup success against Jamaica.
Eric Chelle’s side missed out on a place to the 49-team global tournament, but the process of rebuilding has since began and preparation towards the 2027 AFCON qualifiers is also in full swing.
Head count as of Tuesday night in Warsaw, where the first friendly will hold, shows 18 players have arrived, but two missed the team’s first training session yesterday.
Chelle confirmed the absence of Osimhen, Lookman and also explained that new kid on the block, Femi Azeez was recalled by his club Millwall.
Current Players in Warsaw
Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo
Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igho Ogbu
Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Tochukwu Nnadi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Abdullahi Ibrahim
Akor Adams, Terem Moffi, Rafiu Durosinmi, Paul Onuachu.
Also read: Four-Peat! Super Eagles Pummel Reggae Boyz to Retain Unity Cup
Chelle’s squad Update
Speaking on the players who will miss the matches, Chelle said:
“Concerning Victor Osimhen, he is an important player for Nigeria and Galatasaray. This period is off-season when a lot of things happen off-the-pitch and we must respect certain decisions that are not in our hands.
“Ademola Lookman won’t be available for personal reasons; Femi Azeez had a decent outing at the Unity Cup, but his club will not release him for the remaining matches.
“Alhassan Yusuf and Tijani Samson do not have entry visas and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is not feeling feel.
“The upcoming matches are friendlies and I will approach every game with seriousness with the players available.”
It is unclear if Portugal will have their top stars available for the friendly against Nigeria.
Roberto Martinez’s men will play in Group K against DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
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