The anticipation is high as Nigeria unveils its 23-man squad for the upcoming November encounters, released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on a late Thursday. As the Super Eagles embark on their journey to secure a spot in the global football spectacle set for the US, Mexico, and Canada, fans are eager to see how the team will fare against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

However, the squad has experienced a few setbacks, with notable players facing unavoidable absences. Victor Osimhen, a pivotal striker, will be sidelined due to an injury sustained in Nigeria’s friendly match against Saudi Arabia. Another blow comes with the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, whose impactful presence in the midfield will be missed due to injury concerns.

AC Milan’s recent acquisition, Samuel Chukwueze, is also notably absent from the roster. On the flip side, Francis Uzoho, the under-fire goalkeeper, has made the cut, adding an element of anticipation to his performance in the upcoming matches.

Key Fixtures Ahead: Lesotho and Zimbabwe Showdown

Nigeria, a three-time African champion, is set to face the Crocodiles of Lesotho on November 16 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Subsequently, they will lock horns with Zimbabwe on the 19th of the same month. These fixtures are crucial as Nigeria navigates through Group C of the qualification series, where they contend with South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

Full List of Invited Players:

Goalkeepers:

• Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
• Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)
• Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy)

Defenders:

• Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
• Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey)
• Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
• Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
• Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales)

Midfielders:

• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
• Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards:

• Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
• Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)
• Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
• Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)