Osimhen, Onuachu return as Nigeria face Ronaldo’s Portugal in friendly

Head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles José Peseiro has invited Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and 21 others to prosecute an international friendly against Portugal, NRTC reports.

The likes of captain Ahmed Musa and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi were ignored by the Portuguese coach.

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Recall Musa missed the last game against Algeria following an arm injury during a Turkish Super Lig game for Sivasspor. The former Kano Pillars man had to undergo surgery to address the injury.

Defenders Kevin Akpoguma and Calvin Bassey both made the list. Everton’s Alex Iwobi, Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo, Nantes forward Moses Simon and Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman also made the cut.

Fans will be excited to see the return of wing-back Tyronne Ebuehi who makes a long-awaited to the team.

Meanwhile, Bright Osayi Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi (based in Turkey and Portugal respectively) both receive their maiden call-ups.

Also, there is room for Belgian Pro League top scorer Onuachu, who makes his return to the Super Eagles squad.

The red-hot striker will be expected to wreak havoc against Portugal’s defence when Nigeria confront the A Seleção in the friendly.

The Nigeria-Portugal international friendly game is scheduled for Thursday, November 17 at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. It is scheduled to kick off at 18:45 Portugal time (19:45 in Nigeria).

FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Watford FC, England); Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel).

Defenders: William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Calvin Bassey (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany); Chidiebube Duru (Rivers United); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey).

Midfielders: Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece).

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Forwards: Moses Simon (Nantes FC, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Terem Moffi (Lorient FC, France); Paul Onuachu (Genk FC, Belgium); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy) and Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest, England).