Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline Nigeria squad for Poland and Portugal friendlies

The Nigeria Football Federation has unveiled a full-strength Super Eagles squad for upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, with head coach Eric Chelle naming a group that closely reflects his preferred starting core.

The selection is viewed as an early benchmark of Chelle’s long-term planning as he prepares to assess his options against top-level European opposition in back-to-back fixtures.

Nigeria’s build-up will begin with a meeting against Poland on June 3 before a second high-profile clash against World Cup-bound Portugal seven days later.

The two matches are expected to provide a demanding examination of the squad’s tactical discipline, physical resilience and depth, while also offering Chelle a chance to evaluate combinations across all departments against elite opposition.

The list is structured evenly, with three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards selected to maintain balance across the pitch.

In goal, Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham has been included and is set to compete with Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho for the starting position, setting up a closely contested battle for the number one shirt during the tour.

There is also a timely boost with Alex Iwobi declared fit after recovering from an injury layoff that kept him out for nearly a month. The Fulham midfielder returned to action against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend and has been cleared for international duty following medical approval.

His availability strengthens a midfield group that already includes Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and Alhassan Yusuf.

In attack, Nigeria will rely heavily on the presence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who headline a forward line also featuring Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

Defensively, the group includes Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Emmanuel Fernandez, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, giving Chelle multiple tactical options at the back.

Nigeria’s 24-man squad:

Goalkeepers

Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy); Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham, England); Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)

Defenders

Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Midfielders

Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)

Forwards

Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Moses Simon (Paris, France); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Terem Moffi (Porto, Portugal)