Ndidi, Simon, Chukwueze Arrive in Portugal As Super Eagles Prepare for Exciting International Friendly

• The friendly match between Nigeria and Portugal is already gathering momentum, as the Super Eagles prepare for the showdown
• A total of 22 players have already hit the Nigerian training camp ahead of the Grade A encounter billed for November 17
• On-form striker Victor Osimhen has opted out of the match, with Cyriel Dessers having been called in as a replacement

Ahead of Thursday's international friendly between Nigeria and Portugal, no fewer than 22 players arrived at the Super Eagles camp.

Jose Peseiro's boys will file out against the World Cup-bound Portugal, led by the embattled Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo, on November 17.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that 22 players are already at the camp, including Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Watford goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

It is believed that head coach Jose Peseiro took charge of the team's first training session on Monday night with twenty players involved.

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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen opted out of the encounter, and Cyriel Dessers was called in as a late replacement.

The 22 players in camp now are: Adeleye, Ekong, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi, Akpoguma, Etebo, Duru, Dennis, Onuachu, Lookman, Bassey, Aribo, Ebuehi, Onyeka, Moffi, Awaziem, Bright, Simon, Okoye, Uzoho and Dessers. Chukwueze is also expected.

Oparaku lashes out at Osimhen

Meanwhile, a former Nigerian international, Mobi Oparaku has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sanction Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for withdrawing from the friendly match against Portugal.

The NFF announced on Monday that the former Lille of France striker would no longer be available for the Grade A fixture.

Osimhen was immediately replaced by Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers, while Olisa Ndah - who was also named in the initial list - has also been replaced by Chidozie Awaziem.

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In his reaction to Osimhen's withdrawal, former left-back Oparaku claimed that the striker deliberately opted out of the tie and should be sanctioned.

Peseiro invites new players

Sports Brief earlier reported that Peseiro invited fresh legs into the squad ahead of the much-anticipated friendly match.

Among the new invitees is 24-year-old Bright Osayi-Samuel, born in England to Nigerian parents, who is eligible to represent any of the countries at the international level.

Owerri-born footballer Bruno Onyemaechi, who has been in fine form for Boavista this season, also got his maiden international call-up.