Eric Chelle combines the flavour of experienced internationals while introducing fresh faces into the team.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made a bold statement ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies, dropping several high-profile names, including Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, from his latest squad.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that Chelle has selected a 23-man squad for the two matches, retaining a strong core of experienced internationals while introducing fresh faces into the team.
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to anchor the side, alongside midfield regular Alex Iwobi and former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, who is expected to lead the attack in the absence of Osimhen.
The exclusions of Osimhen and Nwabali headline a sweeping reshuffle of the squad that featured at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Chelle opting to assess new options and reconfigure his team ahead of the fixtures against Iran and Jordan.
Also omitted are 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 of whom were part of the AFCON pool but will play no role in this window.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both fixtures now set to be played in Antalya, Turkey.
The matches were originally billed for Amman, but had to be relocated following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East, forcing organisers to secure an alternative venue.
Chelle’s selection sees the return of Italy-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who is expected to compete for the starting role in Nwabali’s absence, while Greece-based Adeleye Adebayo also earns a recall, with Francis Uzoho completing the goalkeeping department.
In defence, the coach has maintained a blend of familiarity and experimentation, recalling Semi Ajayi and handing a first senior call-up to Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s options at the back.
The midfield retains its established spine, with Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka joined by Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, offering a mix of physical presence, creativity and tactical flexibility.
In attack, Chelle has spread responsibility across multiple options, with Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams all included.
There are also maiden invitations for Germany-based forward Philip Otele and Belgium-based Collins Yira Sor, both rewarded for their club performances.
The final 23-man squad lists Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho as goalkeepers; Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez in defence; Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in midfield; and Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor in attack.
