The three-time African champions, who finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, will compete alongside Iran, Jordan, and Costa Rica in what promises to be a competitive mini-tournament.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation, the tournament forms part of the federation’s broader technical development plans aimed at strengthening the national team.
To play these games, the national team have invited Ademola Lookman, Maduka Okoye, Akor Adams, Frank Onyeka, Igoh Ogbu and Fulham's trio of Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi.
Goalkeeper Nwabali has been without a club since terminating his contract with South Africa’s Chippa United, and it is understandable that he was left out for Francis Uzoho and Israel-based Adeleye Adebayo.
Others include Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Paul Onuachu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Chidera Ejuke.
According to the tournament schedule, the Jordan national team will open its campaign against Costa Rica on Friday evening, March 27th, while Iran will face the Super Eagles on the same day.
Four days later, the hosts will take on Nigeria, while Iran will play its second match against Costa Rica.
Interestingly, the event coincides with the Inter-Continental World Cup playoffs. Nigeria have petitioned FIFA over DR Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players during the African playoffs.
Nigeria Squad
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)
