Head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 23-man squad for the Nigeria national football team ahead of their upcoming international friendlies against Iran national football team and Jordan national football team.
The squad announcement has sparked discussion among fans after star striker Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were left out of the team list.
The two high-profile players have been key figures in Nigeria’s recent international matches, making their omission one of the biggest talking points surrounding the squad announcement.
Full Super Eagles squad for Iran and Jordan friendlies.
Goalkeepers
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese)
- Adebayo Adeleye (Enosis Neon Paralimniou)
- Francis Uzoho (Omonia)
Defenders
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC)
- Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos)
- Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)
- Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague)
- Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers)
Midfielders
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC)
- Frank Onyeka (Coventry, on loan from Brentford FC)
- Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)
Forwards
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
- Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, On loan from AC Milan)
- Moses Simon (FC Nantes)
- Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC)
- Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)
- Akor Adams (Sevilla FC)
- Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, on loan from FC Basel)
- Collins Yira Sor (Genk)
Friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
The Super Eagles will face Iran before taking on Jordan in two international friendly matches scheduled later this month. The games are expected to serve as important preparation fixtures as Chelle continues evaluating players and refining his squad.
The matches are also an opportunity for new and fringe players to impress the coaching staff ahead of future competitive fixtures.
Osimhen’s absence raises questions.
Many fans were surprised to see Osimhen left out of the squad given his status as Nigeria’s leading striker in recent years. However, reports suggest the decision may be linked to workload management and the desire to test other attacking options.
Similarly, the absence of Nwabali opens the door for other goalkeepers to compete for the starting role during the friendlies.
Opportunity for new players.
With several new faces in the squad, the upcoming matches against Iran and Jordan could mark the international debut for some players while giving others a chance to cement their place in the national team.
For Chelle, the fixtures represent another step in shaping the Super Eagles as they prepare for upcoming international competitions.