Flying Eagles captain, goalkeeper included in latest Super Eagles squad

Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Peseiro has handed out maiden invitations to three players ahead of the team’s AFCON qualifying double-header against Guinea-Bissau. The Portuguese coach invited Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi as well as goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso. He also invited Rivers United goaltender Victor Sochima to the Super Eagles squad.

Following a 10-0 win over Sao Tome & Principe in June 2022, the Super Eagles are in control of their group and will look to continue in the same vein over two legs against Guinea-Bissau. The head coach left out goalkeepers Maduka Okoye, who is hardly getting any minutes at Watford, and Adebayo Adeleye. In their place, Aniagboso, who was in goal for five matches at the just-concluded U-20 AFCON and kept four clean sheets was invited, as was Sochima, who has kept two clean sheets in three CAF Confederation Cup matches for Rivers United and won the Golden Glove in the NPFL last season.

In defence, West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi makes his return to the Super Eagles squad, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi also receiving invitations. Vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Chidozie Awaziem all miss out with teenage Yum-Yum FC defender Bameyi included for the first time.

The midfield has always been a great issue of contention in the Super Eagles squad and this time is no exception. Peseiro handed invitations to Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, who and Southampton’s Joe Aribo, who have each featured in the Premier League only twice this year. Out-of-sorts Leicester City man Wilfred Ndidi was also invited despite having fallen down the pecking order with his club. There is also the conspicuous absence of Club Brugge youngster Raphael Onyedika, who has featured in every game for the Belgian club this season when fit and available.

In attack, red-hot Gift Orban misses out, with captain Ahmed Musa included in the squad despite having failed to score or assist a single goal in 20 appearances this season. Also, the duo of Victor Osimhen and Terem Moffi were invited, with Ademola Lookman also earning a call up. Southampton striker Paul Onuachu was also invited, with Emmanuel Dennis dropped after his antics against Portugal in November. Kelechi Iheanacho also makes the Super Eagles squad after his recent upturn in form at club level.

Here is the Super Eagles squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Victor Sochima, Chijioke Aniagboso.

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Daniel Bameyi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Kevin Akpoguma, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi.

Midfielders: Joe Aribo, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka.

Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Super Eagles will host Guinea-Bissau on March 24th in Abuja before facing the same team three days later in Bissau.