Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle drops Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali from squad for upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan
Eric Chelle has made a bold statement ahead of Nigeria’s international friendlies, leaving out Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali from his latest 23-man squad.
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The squad, released by the Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday, reflects a major reshuffle as Chelle looks to test new players and refine his team.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to lead the squad, supported by midfield regular Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, who is expected to spearhead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.
The omissions of Osimhen and Nwabali headline a wider overhaul of the squad that featured at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with several other players also dropped.
Nigeria will face Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31, with both matches moved to Antalya, Turkey, due to security concerns in the Middle East.
In goal, Italy-based Maduka Okoye returns and is expected to compete for the starting spot, alongside Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho.
Defensively, Chelle blends experience and youth, recalling Semi Ajayi and handing a first senior call-up to Emmanuel Fernandez.
The midfield retains its core, with Ndidi, Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru providing balance and creativity.
Upfront, the coach spreads attacking responsibility across Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams, while new faces Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor earn maiden call-ups.
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Chelle’s latest selection signals a strategic shift as the Super Eagles prepare for upcoming international challenges and long-term squad development.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
