Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made a bold selection decision ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies, leaving out 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 named a 23-man squad for the matches, maintaining a core of experienced players while introducing new faces.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to lead the team, alongside Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, who is expected to spearhead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.
The omission of Osimhen and Nwabali highlights a significant reshuffle from the squad that featured at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as Chelle looks to test new options ahead of fixtures against Iran and Jordan.
Several other AFCON players were also excluded, including 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 now scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, after being moved from Amman due to security concerns in the Middle East.
The squad sees the return of Maduka Okoye, who is set to challenge for the starting goalkeeper role, alongside Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho.
In defence, Semi Ajayi has been recalled, while Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez earns his first senior call-up as Chelle looks to strengthen the backline.
The midfield remains largely stable, with Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka joined by Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, providing balance and flexibility.
In attack, 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 performances at club level.