Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Oluyemi Ogunseyin
Published on 2024-03-09 17:35:16
Five Nigerian footballers, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cyril Dessers, Tyronne Ebuehi, Sadiq Umar, and Wilfred Ndidi, are set to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria in upcoming friendly matches against Ghana and Mali. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has called up a total of 26 players to participate in these matches, which will be held in Morocco.
After finishing as runners-up at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, Nigeria will face Ghana’s Black Stars and Mali’s Les Aigles in Marrakech. The first match against Ghana is scheduled for March 22, marking the renewal of a long-standing rivalry between the two West African nations that dates back to 1951. This game holds significance as Nigeria will be seeking revenge for Ghana’s role in denying them a place at the last FIFA World Cup finals.
The encounter with Mali on March 26 will also be a notable match, as both teams are known as the Eagles. The last friendly between Nigeria and Mali took place in 2016 and ended in a draw, while Mali suffered a defeat against Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles’ squad for these friendlies largely consists of players who reached the finals of the 2023 AFCON, but there have been some notable additions. Defender Jamilu Collins and Tyronne Ebuehi have been recalled, along with Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the previous tournament due to injury. Nathan Tella and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have also been given an opportunity to showcase their skills, while new additions Gabriel Osho and Benjamin Tianimu will join the team for the first time.
The complete list of invited players includes goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, and Ojo Olorunleke; defenders Gabriel Osho, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Kenneth Omeruo, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Jamilu Collins, and Benjamin Tianimu; midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi; forwards Nathan Tella, Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Cyriel Dessers.
These upcoming friendly matches present an opportunity for the Super Eagles to showcase their talent and build momentum following their impressive performance at the AFCON. With a mix of experienced players and rising talents, Nigeria will look to make a statement against both Ghana and Mali in Marrakech.
