Full list: Chelle drops Osimhen, Nwabali ahead of Eagles’ friendlies

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made waves ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies, dropping star striker Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from his latest 23-man squad.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the squad on Wednesday, retaining a strong core of experienced internationals while introducing fresh faces as Chelle reshapes the team ahead of matches against Iran (March 27) and Jordan (March 31) in Antalya, Turkey. The fixtures were moved from Amman due to ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.

Team captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to anchor midfield alongside Alex Iwobi, while former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman is expected to lead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.

Other notable omissions from the AFCON pool 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’s selections also include returns and fresh faces: Italy-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Greece-based Adeleye Adebayo join Francis Uzoho in goal, while defender Emmanuel Fernandez earns his first senior call-up alongside veterans like Semi Ajayi.

The midfield is anchored by Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, with Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru adding creativity and tactical depth. In attack, responsibility is shared among Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, and newcomers Philip Otele (Germany) and Collins Yira Sor (Belgium).

The final 23-man squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho

Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Collins Yira Sor