SUPER EAGLES COACH ERIC CHELLE OMITS OSIMHEN AND NWABALI FROM SQUAD FOR IRAN, JORDAN FRIENDLIES
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made a bold move ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies, omitting several high-profile players, including striker 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 named a 23-man roster for the two matches, maintaining a core of experienced internationals while introducing new faces to the team.
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to lead the midfield, supported by regular Alex Iwobi and former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, who is expected to spearhead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.
The exclusions of Osimhen and Nwabali mark the most notable changes in a squad largely drawn from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations team, as Chelle seeks to evaluate new options and reconfigure the side 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 squad selection features the return of Italy-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who is expected to challenge for the starting spot in Stanley Nwabali’s absence. Greece-based Adeleye Adebayo also earns a recall, with Francis Uzoho completing the goalkeeping trio.
In defence, Chelle has combined experience with experimentation, recalling Semi Ajayi and handing a first senior call-up to Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez as part of efforts to broaden Nigeria’s options at the back.
The midfield maintains its established core, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka joined by Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, providing a blend of physicality, creativity, and tactical versatility.
In attack, Chelle has spread responsibilities across several players, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams. Newcomers Germany-based Philip Otele and Belgium-based Collins Yira Sor receive maiden call-ups in recognition of their club performances.
The final 23-man squad is composed as follows: Goalkeepers – Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo, and Francis Uzoho; Defenders – Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and Emmanuel Fernandez; Midfielders – Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Forwards – Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, and Collins Yira Sor.
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