Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-10 04:44:51
The African vice champions, Nigeria, are set to face off against Ghana’s Black Stars and Mali’s Les Aigles in two high-quality friendly matches in Marrakech, Morocco later this month.
These matches have been organized by NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport. The clash with Ghana’s Black Stars on Friday, March 22, will reignite memories of a 73-year rivalry between the West African countries, dating back to 1951. The most recent encounter was in March 2022 for a spot in the FIFA World Cup finals, which Ghana won on away goals.
Nigeria and Mali, both nicknamed ‘Eagles’, will also face off in Marrakech on Tuesday, March 26, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. The last friendly match between the two teams was in 2016, ending in a draw. Mali had previously lost to Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Nigerian squad for these matches includes players from top clubs around the world. Players like Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen have returned from injuries to join the team. New additions include Jamilu Collins, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Cyriel Dessers. Gabriel Osho and Benjamin Tianimu will be joining the team for the first time.
The full list of players invited for the matches are:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Ojo Olorunleke
Defenders: Gabriel Osho, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Kenneth Omeruo, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Jamilu Collins, Benjamin Tianimu
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Nathan Tella, Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cyriel Dessers
These friendly matches will provide a great opportunity for the Nigerian team to prepare for upcoming competitions and fine-tune their strategies against tough opponents like Ghana and Mali. The matches are sure to be exciting and competitive, showcasing the talent and skills of African football.
