Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made a bold move ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies, excluding high-profile stars Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from his latest 23-man squad.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the selection on Wednesday, highlighting Chelle’s intent to retain a strong core of experienced internationals while assessing new talents. Team captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to anchor midfield alongside Alex Iwobi, while Ademola Lookman is expected to spearhead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.
Other notable omissions include goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Muhammed Usman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi, as well as forwards Salim Fago Lawal and Cyriel Dessers, all previously part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The Super Eagles are set to face Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31 in Antalya, Turkey, after the fixtures were relocated from Amman due to the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Chelle’s squad features the return of Italy-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Greece-based Adeleye Adebayo, with Francis Uzoho completing the goalkeeping department. In defence, the coach mixes experience and new talent, recalling Semi Ajayi and handing a first senior call-up to Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez.
The midfield retains its established spine of Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, joined by Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, providing a blend of creativity, physicality, and tactical flexibility.
Attack responsibilities are shared among Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams, while Germany-based Philip Otele and Belgium-based Collins Yira Sor earn maiden call-ups for their club performances.
The final 23-man squad is as follows:
1. Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho
2. Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez
3. Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
4. Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Collins Yira Sor
Chelle’s squad reshuffle signals a strategic shift as Nigeria prepares to test new options and reinforce squad depth ahead of the forthcoming international calendar.
