ABUJA/Nigeria: In a tactical maneuver ahead of the pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Head Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has intricately assembled a 23-player roster, blending seasoned expertise with emerging prowess.
The formidable lineup boasts the likes of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Olaoluwa Aina, and the returning Jamilu Collins, accompanied by midfield virtuosos Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and the newly summoned Raphael Onyedika. The attacking front is spearheaded by the dynamic trio of Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, and the debutant Nathan Tella from Bayer Leverkusen, Germany.
A significant highlight is the triumphant return of Spain-based striker Sadiq Umar, adding a substantial layer of firepower to the Super Eagles’ arsenal.
In the goalkeeping department, the inclusion of Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo ensures a formidable last line of defense, while the defensive lineup showcases the talents of Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and the resilient Ademola Lookman. Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi augment the forward ranks, promising additional depth to the attacking strategy.
The eagerly awaited campaign kicks off at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, where the Super Eagles will square off against the Crocodiles of Lesotho this upcoming Thursday. Subsequently, they will embark on a challenging clash with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Butare on Sunday, 19th November.
The Huye Stadium, situated 135 kilometers south of Kigali, the Rwandan capital, is poised to host the encounter with its 20,000-capacity arena and an artificial turf. Zimbabwe’s unconventional choice of Rwanda as their home venue underscores the unique challenges posed by the absence of a suitable stadium in their home country to host FIFA World Cup qualifying games.
Complete List of Invited Players:
Goalkeepers:
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)
Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy)
Defenders:
Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey)
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales)
Midfielders:
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards:
Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)
Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
