Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has called up Raphael Onyedika for his first international assignment and recalled Kevin Akpoguma for the friendly against Algeria in Oran on September 27.
Midfielder Onyedika, 21, joined Club Brugge in August and has been in impressive form for the Belgian champions both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League, while Akpoguma has had a brilliant start to the Bundesliga season with Hoffenheim.
Peseiro has also called up many regular faces in the 25-man squad announced today, led by captain Ahmed Musa and including vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.
Leicester City defender Wilfred Ndidi returns after a long absence due to injury, with Watford goalkeeper Maduka Okoye also back after voluntarily taking some time off international football.
Also in the squad are goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem and Calvin Bassey, as well as forwards Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi and Cyriel Dessers.
The Super Eagles will be missing the services of the team’s top scorer, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Real Sociedad striker Umar Sadiq and West Brom defender Semi Ajayi, who are all injured.
The friendly will be played at the 40,000-capacity Stade Olympique in Oran, and the Nigeria Football Federation says the invited players are expected to arrive in Constantine on Monday.
SUPER EAGLES SQUAD FOR ALGERIA FRIENDLY:
Goalkeepers:
Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo
Defenders:
William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem, Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Kevin Akpoguma, Leon Balogun
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika
Forwards:
Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Henry Onyekuru, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chidera Ejuke, Cyriel Dessers, Terem Moffi
