Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made notable changes to his squad ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies, leaving out some of the team’s biggest names, including Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwankwo.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced a 23-man list on Wednesday for the two matches, with Chelle retaining a number of experienced players while also bringing in new faces.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi will lead the team, with Alex Iwobi supporting him in midfield. Ademola Lookman is expected to spearhead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.
Apart from Osimhen and Nwankwo, several players who were in the AFCON pool have also been left out. They include goalkeeper Amas Obasogie; defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Ryan Alebiosu; midfielders Muhammed Usman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi; and forwards Salim Fagowei Lawal and Cyriel Dessers.
Nigeria will face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches now scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey. The games were originally set to be played in Amman but were relocated due to the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.
In goal, Maduka Okoye returns to the squad and is expected to challenge for the starting spot, while Adeleye Adebayo is also recalled. Francis Uzoho completes the goalkeeping options.
The defence features a mix of experience and new talent, with Semi Ajayi recalled and Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez receiving his first senior call-up.
Midfield duties will be handled by familiar faces, including Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, with support from Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Up front, Chelle has selected a range of attacking options, including Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams. Germany-based forward Philip Otele and Belgium-based Collins Yira Sor have also earned their first call-ups following impressive club performances.
The full squad:
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho
Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Semi 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
