With the official squad list released for the Super Eagles' forthcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali, a key question lingers for Nigerian football fans: which Nigeria coach will lead the team to Marrakech?
These friendlies replace the botched international fixture against Argentina, which faced repeated postponements.
Earlier this week, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) declared the coaching position vacant and invited applications for the Super Eagles job.
Following the departure of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who led the team at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the role remains unfilled.
Finidi George likely to lead Super Eagles to Marrakech
While NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen would typically hold the position on an interim basis, sources within the federation suggest Enyimba coach Finidi George is expected to lead the team to Marrakech for the “Morocco Tour.”
The former Ajax Amsterdam winger, who secured the NPFL title with Enyimba last season, will be temporarily elevated to the coaching position until a permanent coach is appointed.
Finidi previously assisted Peseiro at the AFCON and is considered a potential long-term candidate, alongside Emmanuel Amunike who has also expressed interest in the job.
These friendlies mark Nigeria's first games following their second-place finish at the AFCON in Ivory Coast. The NFF has invited 26 players for the Ghana and Mali matches, with a few surprises in the selection.
Luton Town's Gabriel Osho and Benjamin Tainumu of Ihefu Sports Club (Tanzania) are unexpected inclusions, while the return of Wilfred Ndidi, Sadiq Umar, and Taiwo Awoniyi signifies their recovery from injuries that sidelined them from the AFCON.
Tyronne Ebuehi, Nathan Tella, Jamilu Collins, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Cyriel Dessers, who were initially included in the provisional AFCON squad but ultimately missed the cut, are all back in contention.
However, William Troost-Ekong, tournament MVP at the AFCON, is out to due injury as he just had an operation while it is too early from Nottingham Forest defender to get listed as he has just recovered from an injury sustained at the AFCON.
The goalkeeping department remains unchanged from the AFCON, with Stanley Nwabali, Leke Ojo, and Francis Uzoho returning.
Full list of invited players
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Defenders
Gabriel Osho (Luton FC, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff City, Wales); Benjamin Tianimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
