Nigeria’s preparations for next Wednesday’s international friendly against Portugal took a step forward on Thursday after the Super Eagles delegation touched down in Lisbon, following their most recent outing in Poland.
Key takeaways
- Nigeria’s squad arrived in Lisbon on Thursday ahead of the friendly against Portugal.
- A travelling party of 19 players made the move from Poland to Portugal.
- Midfielder Alex Iwobi and Genk defender Christian Akpan joined the camp in Lisbon, with Samuel Chukwueze expected to arrive on Friday.
- Rafiu Durosinmi was released from the camp to handle private matters and will not be involved.
- The friendly is being used as part of Nigeria’s build-up toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Squad update and preparation plans
Head coach Eric Chelle continues to work through his options as Nigeria fine-tunes its group for the match, scheduled for June 10 in Lisbon. The friendly is also intended to help the coaching staff evaluate players in a high-level test against top opposition.
The camp’s momentum increased further with the arrival of Alex Iwobi and Christian Akpan, who linked up with the team in Lisbon. AC Milan wide player Samuel Chukwueze is set to join the group on Friday, adding another attacking dimension to Chelle’s preparations.
Not all players were able to make the trip, though: Czech Republic-based forward Rafiu Durosinmi was granted leave to attend to personal matters and will therefore not be part of the preparations for the Portugal game.
Who is available for Chelle in Lisbon
Nigeria’s current lineup in camp includes three goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho.
In defence, Chelle has options including Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Christian Akpan and Emmanuel Fernandez.
The midfield group features Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene.
For attacking roles, Nigeria can call on Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Alex Iwobi, Terem Moffi and Philip Otele.
With more arrivals expected before the weekend, the Super Eagles will be targeting a strong showing against Portugal as Chelle continues shaping his squad for upcoming commitments.
