Super Eagles coach retains core squad for opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as Victor Osimhen spearheads attack and youthful team lined up for Russia friendly
By Henry Ihimekpen
Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has named three uncapped players in his 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening fixtures in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena have been handed maiden senior invitations as Nigeria prepares to face Madagascar on 25 September and Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The list is built around an experienced core. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon lead the attack, while captain Wilfred Ndidi headlines a four-man midfield alongside Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyeka.
In defence, the return of Stanley Nwabali in goal and Ola Aina at full-back provides a significant boost. Nwabali will compete with Okonkwo and Maduka Okoye for the number one shirt, while Nottingham Forest defender Aina rejoins a backline that includes Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredericks, Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu.
James earns his opportunity at left-back in the absence of Zaidu Sanusi, while Ilenikhena adds further depth to a forward line that also features Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Moses Usor.
Chelle has left out several established names from his latest selection. Former captain William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are not included, while forwards Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Terem Moffi and Taiwo Awoniyi also miss out.
Nigeria will be looking to make a strong start to the qualifying campaign before attention shifts to an international friendly against Russia on 6 October, for which Chelle is expected to field a largely youthful squad dominated by Under-23 players, allowing several senior regulars to rest.
Full Nigeria Squad:
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredericks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyeka
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor
