The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed the arrival of ten players in Morocco for the Super Eagles’ March international fixtures, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer. Among the early arrivals is Rangers’ striker Cyriel Dessers, marking his return to the national team after approximately fourteen months. Despite being part of the provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Dessers did not make the final team selection due to injuries to fellow strikers Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar. Since joining Rangers, Dessers has made a significant impact, contributing to 23 goals,16 goals and 7 assists in 43 appearances, earning him a recall to the national team.
Arsenal’s Hale End Academy graduates Alex Iwobi now with Fulham, Nathan Tella Bayer Leverkusen, and former Gunners U21 captain Semi Ajayi, who played a key role in the Super Eagles’ four consecutive clean sheets at the 2023 AFCON, have also joined the camp. Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, after receiving medical clearance following an injury, is among the players who have linked up with the team.
Other players who have arrived include Moses Simon, Fisayo Dele Bashiru, Calvin Bassey, Jamilu Collins, and Bruno Onyemaechi. The Super Eagles are set to commence their training session on Tuesday, starting from 1630 hours local time, as they prepare for their upcoming matches against Ghana on March 22 and Mali on March 26 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
Editorial
The convergence of ten Super Eagles players in Morocco for the upcoming international friendlies is a promising start to what is expected to be a crucial assembly for the Nigerian national team. The return of Cyriel Dessers to the fold, alongside notable players from Arsenal’s Hale End Academy and other talents, underscores the depth and diversity of talent available to the Super Eagles.
This gathering is not just about preparing for the immediate matches against Ghana and Mali it’s a step towards building cohesion and understanding among players from various leagues and backgrounds. The inclusion of players like Dessers, who has shown remarkable form at the club level, is a testament to the merit based selection that the national team is striving for.
As the team gears up for their first training session, the focus will be on fine tuning tactics and fostering team spirit. The challenges ahead are significant, but with the blend of experience and youth in the squad, the Super Eagles have a unique opportunity to lay down a marker for future competitions.
Did You Know?
- Cyriel Dessers’ return to the Super Eagles highlights the importance of club performance in national team selection.
- Arsenal’s Hale End Academy is renowned for producing top tier talent, with several graduates representing national teams across the globe.
- The Super Eagles have a storied history in African football, including three Africa Cup of Nations titles.
- The Grand Stade de Marrakech, the venue for the upcoming friendlies, is one of Morocco’s premier football stadiums, known for its modern facilities and atmosphere.
- International friendlies serve as vital preparation for teams, offering a chance to test new tactics and integrate new players ahead of competitive fixtures.
