Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made a bold selection decision ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies, omitting key players including Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from his latest squad.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that Chelle has named a 23-man squad for the matches, blending experienced internationals with new faces.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to lead the team, alongside midfield regular Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, who is expected to spearhead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.
The omission of Osimhen and Nwabali highlights a major reshuffle of the squad that featured at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Chelle using the opportunity to test new players and adjust his team. Also left out are goalkeeper Amas Obasogie; defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Ryan Alebiosu; midfielders Muhammed Usman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi; and forwards Salim Fago Lawal and Cyriel Dessers.
Nigeria will face Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31, with both matches scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey. The fixtures were initially planned for Amman but were moved due to escalating military conflict in the Middle East.
Chelle has recalled Maduka Okoye, who is expected to challenge for the starting spot, alongside Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho. In defence, Semi Ajayi returns, while Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez earns his first senior call-up.
The midfield retains its core with Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, joined by Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, offering balance in strength and creativity.
In attack, the responsibility is shared among Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams. New call-ups include Germany-based Philip Otele and Belgium-based Collins Yira Sor, both rewarded for their club performances.
The full squad comprises goalkeepers Okoye, Adeleye, and Uzoho; defenders Calvin Bassey, Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and Emmanuel Fernandez; midfielders Iwobi, Onyeka, Ndidi, Onyedika, and Dele-Bashiru; and forwards Lookman, Chukwueze, Simon, Ejuke, Onuachu, Adams, Otele, and Sor.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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