Full list: Chelle drops Osimhen, Nwabali for Eagles’ friendlies

By Ehichoya Janet

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made a bold statement ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies, omitting star striker Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from his latest 23-man squad.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the squad on Wednesday, retaining a solid core of experienced internationals while introducing fresh faces as Chelle continues to reshape the team. Nigeria will face Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31 in Antalya, Turkey, with the fixtures moved from Amman due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Team captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to anchor the midfield alongside Alex Iwobi, while reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman is expected to lead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.

Other notable omissions from the AFCON pool include 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.

Chelle’s selections also feature a mix of returning players and new faces. Italy-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Greece-based Adeleye Adebayo join Francis Uzoho in goal, while defender Emmanuel Fernandez earns his first senior call-up alongside experienced names like Semi Ajayi.

The midfield trio of Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka is supported by Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, offering both creativity and balance.

READ ALSO: FIFA rejects NFF petition, Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes dim

In attack, Lookman is joined by Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, as well as newcomers Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor.

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