Summary: Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle names 23-man squad for international friendlies against Iran and Jordan, but Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali are surprisingly absent. See full squad list.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football circles, newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Iran and Jordan—and the list comes with some major surprises.
The Big Omissions
The most striking aspect of Chelle’s squad selection is the absence of two key figures: star striker Victor Osimhen* and first-choice goalkeeper *Stanley Nwabali. Osimhen, who has been Nigeria’s attacking talisman in recent times, will not feature in these crucial preparatory games. Similarly, Nwabali, who has proven himself as Nigeria’s most reliable shot-stopper, has been left out of the squad entirely.
While the reasons for their exclusion remain unclear, football fans across social media are already buzzing with theories and concerns about what this could mean for the team’s future.
Who Made the Cut?
Despite the headline-grabbing omissions, Chelle has recalled several familiar faces who have served Nigeria well over the years:
Between the Sticks: Maduka Okoye returns to the goalkeeping department, alongside Adebayo Adeleye and Francis Uzoho.
Defensive Line: The backline features Premier League star Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and newcomer Emmanuel Fernandez, who plays his trade in Scotland.
Midfield Maestros: The engine room boasts quality with Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru all included.
Attacking Force: Up front, Ademola Lookman leads the charge alongside Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, and two fresh faces—Philip Otele (Germany-based) and Collins Yira Sor from Belgian side KRC Genk.
New Blood in the Squad
Football enthusiasts will be particularly interested in the debuts of three players who are earning their first Super Eagles call-ups:
– Emmanuel Fernandez (Scotland-based defender)
– Philip Otele (Germany-based forward)
– Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk forward)
These new additions suggest Coach Chelle is keen to expand his options and test fresh talent ahead of more competitive fixtures.
When and Where?
The Super Eagles will take on Iran on March 27* at 4pm local time, followed by a clash with **Jordan on March 31** at 8pm local time. Both matches will be played in *Antalya, Turkey.
Originally scheduled for Amman, Jordan, the fixtures were relocated due to ongoing military tensions in the Middle East—a sensible decision prioritizing the safety of players and officials.
What This Means for Nigeria
These friendly matches represent an important opportunity for Eric Chelle to stamp his authority on the team and implement his tactical vision. With crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and World Cup preliminaries on the horizon, every game counts.
However, the absence of Osimhen and Nwabali raises questions: Is this a tactical decision? Are there injury concerns? Or is the coach simply rotating his squad to assess other options?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Nigerian football fans will be watching these friendlies very closely indeed.
Full 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 do you think about Coach Chelle’s squad selection? Should Osimhen and Nwabali have been included? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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