Fesochukwu Jason
In a striking move that has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has dropped several key players, including star striker Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, from his 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies.
Announced on Wednesday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chelle’s selection blends experience with fresh talent, signaling a tactical reshuffle ahead of the friendlies against Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31. Both fixtures will now take place in Antalya, Turkey, following the relocation from Amman due to military unrest in the Middle East.
The decision to omit Osimhen and Nwabali headlines a wider reshuffle that affects numerous members of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad. Other omissions include goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Muhammed Usman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and forwards Salim Fago Lawal and Cyriel Dessers.
Chelle explained that the changes are aimed at assessing new options and reconfiguring the team, creating competition for starting roles while ensuring the squad has tactical flexibility in preparation for the upcoming fixtures.
The squad sees the return of Italy-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, expected to compete for the starting role in Nwabali’s absence, alongside Greece-based Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho. In defence, Semi Ajayi has been recalled, while Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez earns his first senior call-up, reflecting Chelle’s effort to broaden Nigeria’s defensive options.
The midfield retains a core spine with team captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, supplemented by Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, providing a balance of physicality, creativity, and tactical versatility.
Up front, Chelle has spread responsibility across several attacking options, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams, while rewarding club form with maiden call-ups for Germany-based forward Philip Otele and Belgium-based Collins Yira Sor.
The final 23-man roster includes Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo, and Francis Uzoho as goalkeepers; Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and Emmanuel Fernandez in defence; Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in midfield; and Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, and Collins Yira Sor in attack.
Chelle’s squad selection reflects a deliberate strategy to test squad depth and provide opportunities for emerging talents while preparing for future competitive fixtures. By retaining experienced internationals alongside newcomers, Nigeria’s head coach is sending a clear message: performance and adaptability will determine roles, not just past reputation.
The upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Turkey will offer a crucial glimpse into Chelle’s tactical blueprint and the evolving dynamics of the Super Eagles ahead of the next major tournaments.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.