The Nigerian Super Eagles have officially invited 24 players to prosecute their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches.
The list released by the Nigeria football Federation on Saturday shows head coach Eric Chelle has made wholesome changes in midfield.
The Franco-Malian coach has dropped the duo of Franck Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika from the middle of the park, preferring returnees Yusuf Alhassan and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The trio of Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijani, and Suleiman Mubarak completes the midfield options. There was no surprise in attack despite the absence of injured Victor Osimhen.
The striker last featured for Nigeria since January, leaving Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon to lead the pack.
They are supported by established Eagles Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi. Moses Usor also keeps his place, with injured George Ilenikhena not called up.
Nigeria is second in Group L behind Guinea-Bissau by three points and need maximum points to maintain hopes of AFCON qualification. The Super Eagles host Tanzania on November 13, and visit their opponents on November 17.
FULL LIST Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic). Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham), Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava). Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Yusuf Alhassan (New England Revolution), Tochukwu Nnadi (Marseille), Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Suleiman Mubarak (Slavia Prague). Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Akor Adams (Venezia FC), Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC), Moses Usor (LASK), Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry FC).
What You Should Know
Head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers, introducing notable changes by overhauling the midfield options and dropping players like Franck Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika. Currently sitting second in Group L behind Guinea-Bissau, the Super Eagles urgently need maximum points from their upcoming matches against Tanzania to secure qualification.
- Positive Impact: The injection of new midfield talent like Yusuf Alhassan and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru brings fresh energy and tactical options as the team fights for crucial qualifying points.
- Potential Concerns: Major changes in the squad’s core positions and the ongoing absence of key injured striker Victor Osimhen could pose tactical risks as the team aims for a winning performance.
