The recently released Super Eagles player shortlist for the friendly ties against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique has received a new update.
The Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro, had released a 25-man shortlist to face Saudi Arabia and Mozambique during the international break.
A couple of players will miss out on the friendlies. They include the Nottingham Forest duo of defender Ola Aina and striker Taiwo Awoniyi.
Both players will miss out on the friendlies due to injuries, but Jose Peseiro has quickly replaced the two players with other Super Eagles regulars.
The Super Eagles will play the friendly matches in the international break this week.
Super Eagles 25-man squad: Orban out, Sadiq Umar in
With Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi out of the Super Eagles' upcoming friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, Peseiro has named their replacements.
Earlier reports suggested that Awoniyi, who will be out to injury for at least a month, would be replaced by Gift Orban.
However, it seems Orban has not done enough to impress Jose Peseiro to replace the Nottingham Forest striker.
Sadiq Umar is yet to light up the season for his new club, Real Sociedad.
The Kaduna-born striker has featured in seven La Liga games this season and once in the UEFA Champions League but is yet to score.
Umar has a game time of 228 minutes in La Liga, with only one assist to show for his efforts.
It contrasts with Gift Orban, who, despite a slump in form, has scored in the Belgian Pro League and the Europa League.
Jose Peseiro believes Umar has qualities that fit with his plans ahead of Orban. The Sociedad striker has had a longer tenure with the Super Eagles.
Tyrone Ebuehi replaces Ola Aina
Ola Aina has had a stellar performance with Nottingham Forest. He was voted the club's September Player of the Month.
The absence of the full-back affords Tyrone Ebuehi the chance to fight for his place in the Super Eagles.
Ebuehi, who joined Empoli on a permanent deal worth €1.4 million this summer, has played seven games for the Serie A side but has yet to score a goal or create an assist.
The Super Eagles will play against Saudi Arabia on Friday, October 13, while the game against Mozambique is on Monday, October 16.
The upcoming friendly is the second time the Super Eagles play against the Greens of Saudi Arabia. The game ended 0-0.
The tie against the Mambas of Mozambique will be the fifth time both teams are clashing.
The Super Eagles won three and drew two, conceding only in a 4-2 win.
🚨UPDATE FROM THE SUPER EAGLES
Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi will both be replaced in the team squad by Tyronne Ebuehi and Sadiq Umar#SuperEagles pic.twitter.com/BpKTed9jby
— The Athletic NG (@TheAthleticNG) October 8, 2023
Invited players to the Super Eagles
Goalkeepers:
Francis Uzoho, Olorunleke Ojo, Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders:
Olaoluwa Aina (Tyrone Ebuehi), Bright Osayi-Samuel, Jordan Torunarigha, Kenneth Omeruo, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Joe Ayodele-Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forwards:
Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi (Sadiq Umar), Terem Moffi, Victor Boniface
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 weeks ago
