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The Nigeria Football Federation released the 23-man list for both fixtures a few hours after announcing German tactician Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the team.

Captain William Troost-Ekong, who recently joined Al-Kholood FC of Saudi Arabia, returned to the fold for the first time since the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, as well as Nottingham Forest duo Olaoluwa Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi and unsettled Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who has not kicked a ball officially since May, when the Azzurri played a goalless draw against Lecce in the final game of the 2023/24 season.

There were also notable omissions, with in-form Glasgow Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, Sevilla new signing Chidera Ejuke, and Nathan Tella overlooked for the qualifiers.

Football enthusiasts took to the official Super Eagles social media page to react to the list.

Omobolaji Omobola wrote, “Ejuke, Osho, Felix Agu, Justin Njimmah, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Uche Chrisantus, Dessers, and many other players who have started the season on a high are excluded for some players who haven’t kicked a ball this season. Na wa! The coach didn’t invite these players; it is an NFF list.”

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