The camp of the Super Eagles in Austria is brimming with excitement following the arrival of all invited players, with the confidence that a mixture of old boys and new acts are capable of turning back African champions Algeria and the continent’s second-ranked team Tunisia in two friendlies between Friday and Tuesday.
Heartwarming news came on Monday evening when former Germany U20 captain Kevin Akpoguma arrived on Monday ahead of his switch to play for Nigeria was cleared by FIFA.
Others in camp include Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Jamilu Collins, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and first-time invitee Zaidu Sanusi.
Algeria, who have a second game against Mexico in The Netherlands on Tuesday, come into Friday’s game not only as the champions of Africa, but also on the back of an 18-match unbeaten run.
They have not lost on the pitch since they were bumped by the odd goal in an AFCON 2019 qualifier away in Benin Republic in October 2018.
Tunisia, who play the Super Eagles on Tuesday at the same venue, will host Sudan’s Falcons at the Stade Olympique in Rades on Friday at the same time the Eagles are taking to the pitch against the Fennecs in Austria.
Team Captain Ahmed Musa and regulars; Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Kenneth Omeruo, are all in save for Victor Osimhen and Leicester city midfielder Wilfred Ndidi who is out due to injury.
Both games will kick off at 8.30pm Austria time (7.30pm Nigeria time).
