Former Nigeria national football team defender Sam Sodje has welcomed the inclusion of new faces in the squad for upcoming international friendlies, describing it as a positive step for the team’s development.
Nigeria are set to face Jordan national football team and Iran national football team, with the matches providing an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess both established players and emerging talents.
Reacting to the squad list, Sodje expressed satisfaction with the balance between experience and youth, highlighting the importance of integrating new players into the national setup.
“It’s always a good thing to have new players mixing with the regulars,” he said.
According to the former defender, such fixtures are crucial in giving opportunities to players who are looking to break into the team on a consistent basis.
“It gives them a chance to impress and become part of the team,” he added.
The absence of key striker Victor Osimhen has been a talking point ahead of the friendlies, but Sodje played down concerns, insisting it should not be viewed negatively.
“His absence is not a big deal,” he noted.
Instead, he believes the situation creates room for other players to step forward and demonstrate their abilities to the technical team.
“Other players now have the chance to impress the coach,” he said.
Sodje emphasised that moments like this are vital for building competition within the squad, ensuring that no position is guaranteed and that players remain motivated to perform.
He also pointed out that friendly matches are the ideal platform for experimentation, allowing coaches to test different combinations and evaluate new options without the pressure of competitive fixtures.
For Nigeria, the upcoming games represent more than just preparation—they are an opportunity to strengthen squad depth and identify players capable of contributing in future tournaments.
Sodje’s comments reflect a broader belief that the Super Eagles are moving in the right direction, with a growing pool of talent ready to step up when called upon.
As the team prepares for the friendlies, attention will now turn to how these new additions perform, and whether they can make a lasting impression ahead of more demanding challenges.
