Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, has unveiled his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Among the notable inclusions is Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella, who receives his debut invitation, stepping in for absent attackers like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze due to injuries.
Also missing from the squad is Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, who was sidelined due to injury.
In the goalkeeping department, Francis Uzoho, based in Cyprus, joins Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Enyimba’s Ojo Olorunleke.
The invited defenders feature Kenneth Omeruo, Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Cardiff City’s Jamilu Collins returns after a prolonged absence due to injury, with Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey also receiving invitations.
The midfield lineup comprises only four players: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Joe Ayodele-Aribo, and Raphael Onyedika. Among the forwards, Nantes’ Moses Simon, Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho, and Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi are part of the squad.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, and Ademola Lookman are also included, alongside Real Sociedad’s Sadiq Umar, who makes the initial list after his late call-up for the friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
The Super Eagles, eager to rebound after missing out on the Qatar 2022 World Cup, will commence their journey to the USA/Mexico/Canada 2026 World Cup with a match against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo next Thursday.
Following this, they will travel to Rwanda for a clash with Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Butare on Monday, November 20.
Zimbabwe has chosen Rwanda as their home ground for the qualifiers due to the absence of a suitable stadium in their country for hosting the FIFA World Cup qualifying games.
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