Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Oluyemi Ogunseyin
Published on 2024-03-20 15:28:17
Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is the only player expected at the Super Eagles camp in Marrakech, Morocco on Wednesday for the upcoming international friendly matches against Ghana and Mali. As of Wednesday afternoon, 22 of the 23 expected players had arrived in the city, with Gabriel Osho, Tyronne Ebuehi, Victor Osimhen, and Taiwo Awoniyi the four players who were ruled out due to injuries.
The team is currently staying at Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech, with goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, and Olorunleke Ojo, as well as defenders Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Benjamin Tanimo already present. The midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Bashiru, and Alhassan Yusuf are also in attendance, along with forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, and Ademola Lookman.
The only player yet to arrive is Turkey-based defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, who is expected to join the team before their match against Ghana on Friday, March 22nd. The Super Eagles will also face Mali at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday, March 26th.
Interim coach Finidi George has reassured fans that the team is taking the friendly matches against Ghana and Mali seriously and is determined to make Nigerians proud. In an interview with Super Eagles media officer Babafemi Raji, Finidi expressed the team’s commitment to performing well in the matches, which will be held in Marrakech, Morocco.
Nigeria is seeking revenge against Ghana after losing to them in a two-legged play-off for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in March 2022. The Black Stars advanced on the away-goal rule after a 1-1 aggregate score. The Super Eagles will also use these friendlies to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which are set to resume in June 2024.
