Summary: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has shocked fans by excluding Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali from his 23-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan. See the full list of invited players.
The newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football by naming his first 23-man squad for this month’s international friendlies – and the biggest talking point is who’s missing.
Major Omissions Raise Eyebrows
In a surprising move that has set Nigerian social media ablaze, Coach Chelle has left out star striker Victor Osimhen* and first-choice goalkeeper *Stanley Nwabali from the squad that will face Iran and Jordan later this month.
Osimhen, currently Nigeria’s most prolific goalscorer and one of Africa’s most feared strikers, has been a mainstay of the Super Eagles attack. His absence, alongside that of Nwabali – who was outstanding during Nigeria’s recent AFCON campaign – has left many fans questioning the new coach’s selection strategy.
Key Stars Return to the Fold
Despite the headline omissions, Chelle has recalled several established Super Eagles players, including:
– Maduka Okoye (goalkeeper)
– Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (defender)
– Frank Onyeka (midfielder)
– Moses Simon (forward)
– Samuel Chukwueze (forward)
– Akor Adams (forward)
– Paul Onuachu (forward)
The return of these experienced campaigners provides some balance to what is otherwise a squad full of surprises.
Fresh Blood Gets the Nod
Coach Chelle has also handed debut call-ups to three players hoping to make their mark on the international stage:
1. Emmanuel Fernandez – The Scotland-based defender gets his first opportunity to represent the Green and White
2. Philip Otele – The Germany-based forward will be looking to prove his worth
3. Yira Collins Sor – The KRC Genk attacker rounds out the new faces
Additionally, goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye makes a welcome return to the squad after some time away.
Match Details: Turkey Replaces Jordan as Host
The Super Eagles will take on Iran on March 27* at 4pm local time in Antalya, Turkey, before facing *Jordan on March 31 at 8pm local time.
Originally scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, both fixtures have been relocated to Turkey due to ongoing military tensions in the Middle East – a sensible decision prioritizing player safety.
Complete 23-Man Super Eagles Squad
Goalkeepers:
– Maduka Okoye
– Adebayo Adeleye
– Francis Uzoho
Defenders:
– Calvin Bassey
– Oluwasemilogo Ajayi
– Bright Osayi-Samuel
– Bruno Onyemaechi
– Zaidu Sanusi
– Igoh Ogbu
– Emmanuel Fernandez
Midfielders:
– Alex Iwobi
– Frank Onyeka
– Wilfred Ndidi
– Raphael Onyedika
– Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forwards:
– Ademola Lookman
– Samuel Chukwueze
– Moses Simon
– Chidera Ejuke
– Paul Onuachu
– Akor Adams
– Philip Otele
– Collins Yira Sor
What This Means for Nigerian Football
Coach Chelle’s bold selection sends a clear message: no player is guaranteed a spot in his Super Eagles setup, regardless of reputation. Whether this approach will pay dividends or backfire remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Nigerian football fans will be watching these friendlies with keen interest.
The absence of Osimhen and Nwabali presents an opportunity for others to step up and stake their claim. Players like Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, and the debutants will be eager to seize this moment.
These international friendlies will provide the first real glimpse into Eric Chelle’s vision for the Super Eagles. Will his gamble pay off? We’ll find out soon enough.
Naija, over to you – what do you think of this squad selection? Drop your comments below!
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