The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the Super Eagles will be playing two international friendlies in March.
The West African nation is set to face regional rivals Ghana and Mali in Marrakech on March 22 and March 26, respectively.
This will be Nigeria’s first involvement since finishing as runners-up in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), where they suffered a 2-1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
The Super Eagles have since seen some changes to their technical team, with head coach Jose Peseiro leaving following the expiration of his contract in February, while the Portuguese’s entire backroom staff has also been disbanded.
27 Super Eagles players invited for Ghana, Mali friendlies
It had seemed that Nigeria had lined up a high-profile international friendly against world champions Argentina in March but the game was called off.
However, the Super Eagles have gone on to secure two friendlies against West African rivals Ghana and Mali for the March international break.
A statement from the NFF announced a 27-man squad for the two assignments, with Napoli forward Victor Osimhem leading the list.
AFCON 2024 hero Stanley Nwabali is also included, while other familiar faces like Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho have also been invited for the two friendlies.
Some players who either missed the AFCON due to injury or were dropped have also returned to the squad, including Wilfred Ndidi, Nathan Tella, Sadiq Umar and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Captain Ahmed Musa has been left out of the squad, though, while Victor Boniface and William Troost-Ekong have also been ruled out due to injury.
Still no new Super Eagles coach
Meanwhile, Nigeria will be playing in March’s international friendlies against Ghana without a substantive head coach.
The NFF is also yet to name an interim coach but the Federation has already announced that candidates interested in the head coach role can apply for the job.
A statement from the Nigerian FA on Friday said: “Attention passionate and proven football coaches! The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is looking for a visionary leader to take the helm of our Senior Men’s National Team, the mighty Super Eagles!” a statement published on the NFF's website said.
“This is your chance to lead a team steeped in history and guide them towards even greater glory on the international stage. Are you ready to answer the call?
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make history with Nigerian football. If you’re a coach who thrives on pressure and dreams of etching your name in footballing lore, we want to hear from you!”
The Super Eagles will be aiming to use the friendlies against Ghana and Mali to prepare for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin in June.
