By Francis Ajuonuma
Ajax of Holland forward, Chuba Akpom’s dream to wear the green-white-green jersey of the Super Eagles continues to linger after being snubbed again by Coach Jose Peseiro in the 25-man team invited for this month’s international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal.
Akpom who was the shining star for Championship side, Middlesbrough last season, netting 20 goals and attracting a lot of commendation for his scoring quality, leading to his move to Dutch side Ajax is tipped as one of the forwards that can add bite to the Super Eagles attack which also has the like of Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface.
Coach Peseiro will however recall defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Terem Moffi to the Super Eagles’ squad for this month’s international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal. The quartet were absent from the team that demolished Sao Tome and Principe in last month’s 2023 AFCON qualifier in Uyo.
Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, of Hatayaspor FC of Turkey gets his first-ever invitation, while Peseiro has decided to retain the trio of Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye and Olorunleke Ojo in goal. Yet-to-be-capped defender Jordan Torunnarigha is also called.
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Wilfred Ndidi, who captained the team against Sao Tome and Principe, as well as Raphael Onyedika and forwards Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho have also been invited.
The Super Eagles will take on the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in the city of Portimão, Portugal on Friday, 13th October 2023, starting at 5pm before a clash with the Mambas of Mozambique in the same city three days later.
The players are all expected to arrive in Faro, Portugal on Tuesday, 10th October.
Both encounters have been arranged as tune-up games for the Eagles ahead of the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, in which the three-time African champions host Lesotho’s Crocodiles in Uyo on 17th November before travelling away to play Zimbabwe four days later.
Other invited include, Olaoluwa Aina, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, Joe Ayodele-Aribo, Frank Onyeka and Samuel Chukwueze.
