Nwabali, Osimhen, Adams absent as Chelle names Super Eagles squad for Turkey tournament
Eric Chelle has unveiled a 23-man squad for Super Eagles upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan, with notable omissions and fresh inclusions.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is the biggest absentee, while key figures such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman headline the list.
Friendlies moved due to security concerns
Originally scheduled to be played in Amman, the fixtures have been relocated to Antalya due to escalating security concerns in the Middle East.
The Super Eagles will face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, as Chelle looks to fine-tune his squad ahead of competitive fixtures.
New faces earn first call-ups
The squad features several fresh inclusions. Defender Emmanuel Fernandez receives his maiden call-up, alongside forwards Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor.
Their inclusion is a strategic shift toward integrating emerging talents into the national setup.
Core players retained
Despite the experimentation, Chelle has maintained a strong spine with experienced names across all departments.
Regulars like Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, and Samuel Chukwueze remain integral to the squad.
Meanwhile star forwards like Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams were found omitted in the squad.
Full squad list
Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)