Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double header against Tanzania, with a mixture of established internationals, returning players and fresh faces included in his selection.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Tanzania on November 13 and 17, with the two encounters offering Chelle an opportunity to strengthen his squad’s understanding and build momentum in the race for a place at the continental finals.
The selection features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards, with players drawn from clubs across Europe, the United States and South Africa.
Chelle has retained several familiar names, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, while the return of a number of players provides additional options across different areas of the pitch.
Fredrick returns as new faces strengthen defensive options
Brentford defender Benjamin Fredrick is among the notable inclusions, returning to the national team setup to strengthen Nigeria’s defensive options.
He is joined by Bruno Onyemaechi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and new inclusion Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene.
The defensive selection offers Chelle several options across the backline, with players representing clubs in England, Greece, Turkey and the Czech Republic.
In midfield, Tochukwu Nnadi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru return after injury setbacks, while Samson Tijani and Mubarak Suleiman are among the fresh selections.
Tijani, who plays for Slovakian side FK Podbrezova, and Slavia Prague midfielder Suleiman have earned maiden competitive call-ups as Chelle looks to expand his options in the middle of the pitch.
They join Iwobi, Ndidi and Alhassan Yusuf, alongside Dele-Bashiru, in a seven-man midfield group.
Lookman leads attacking selection
Atletico Madrid forward Lookman headlines a six-man attacking group that also includes Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Usor and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Usor returns after making an impression on his previous involvement with the national team, while Adams, Arokodare and Awoniyi provide further options in attack.
However, the selection also contains some significant omissions.
Osimhen, Ilenikhena and Chukwueze miss out
Victor Osimhen is absent after reportedly sustaining a knee injury at Galatasaray, confirming the concerns surrounding his availability for the November international window.
The striker’s omission is a setback for Nigeria, given his importance to the Super Eagles’ attacking plans, although the extent of the injury and his expected recovery timeline remain important considerations.
Young forward George Ilenikhena also misses out, while Samuel Chukwueze is another notable absentee from the 24-man selection.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is also left out, with Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo making up the goalkeeping department.
Uzoho returns to the squad alongside Nwabali, while Okonkwo retains his place after his involvement with the national team.
Full Super Eagles squad for Tanzania
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus), Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England).
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene (Banik Ostrava, Czech Republic).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France), Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova, Slovakia), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy), Mubarak Suleiman (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Akor Adams (Venezia, Italy), Tolu Arokodare (Ajax, Netherlands), Moses Usor (LASK, Austria), Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City, England).
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the two meetings with Tanzania as Chelle begins preparations for the November fixtures. With several players returning and new options introduced, the coach will hope his selection provides the right balance as Nigeria pursue qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Pingback: Flamingos make history as Nigeria beat Japan to win first U-17 Women’s World Cup title - The Athletic NG