Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has left out striker Victor Osimhen and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from his 23-man squad for upcoming friendly matches against Iran and Jordan.
The fixtures will mark Nigeria’s first matches since finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen’s omission comes despite the forward’s strong form for Galatasaray, where he has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, including an impressive return in the UEFA Champions League.
Nwabali, meanwhile, has been without a club since leaving Chippa United, making his absence less unexpected. Tanzania based goalie Amas Obasogie is also dropped despite been recently cleared by his club for betting related offence.
Chelle has kept a number of senior players in the squad, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman.
There are also recalls for goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Adebayo Adeleye
In attack, the likes of Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams have been included.
Three players could make their international debuts after receiving first call-ups.
Defender Emmanuel Fernandez, forward Philip Otele and winger Collins Yira Sor have all been rewarded for their performances at club level in Europe.
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The friendlies were originally scheduled to take place in Amman but have been relocated to Antalya in Turkey due to security concerns linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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Nigeria will face Iran on 27 March before taking on Jordan on 31 March.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, 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
