- Safiu Kehinde
Super Eagles talisman, Victor Osimhen, and first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, have both been dropped from the 23-man list released by the national team’s coach, Eric Chelle, ahead of the international friendlies slated hold this month.
The two-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) nations are billed to take on Iran national football team and Jordan national football team.
Despite their contribution to team’s successful campaign at the 2025 AFCON tournament where they clinched the bronze medal, Osimhen and Nwabali were both dropped from the 23-man list to face the Middle East nations.
While Nwabali’s absence was largely attributed to his lack of playing times since his exit from South Africa’s side, Chippa United, the reason behind Osimehn’s omission is however unknown.
Chelle, in Nwabali’s stead, recalled Udinese’s goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, with Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho make up the last two slots for the position.
Leading the Super Eagles’s defence set up is Fulham’s defender, Calvin Bassey.
Other defenders who made the list include Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Slovenia), and Emmanuel Fernanzez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland).
The midfield boasted of the likes of Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkiye), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy).
With Osimehn missing in action, Atlectico Madrid’s forward, Ademola Lookman will be leading the attack alongside Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), and Paul Onuachu ( Trabszonspor AS, Turkiye).
Other invited forwards include Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain) as well as debutants, Phillip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany) and Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium).