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

The Nigeria Football Federation are on the verge of unveiling a full-strength Super Eagles squad for upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, with head coach Eric Chelle expected to name a group that closely reflects his preferred starting core.

The selection, which is anticipated within days or even hours, 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 as reported by allnigeriasoccer.com.

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 24-man 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 (3) : Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Arthur Okonkwo

Defenders (7): Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Emmanuel Fernandez, Igoh Ogbu

Midfielders (7): Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Alhassan Yusuf 

Forwards (7): Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi