Chelle Names Super Eagles Squads for AFCON Qualifiers, Russia Friendly

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named separate squads for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and an friendly against Russia.

The Nigeria Football Federation released the selections on Thursday, with Nigeria scheduled to host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The Super Eagles will then play Russia in an friendly on October 6, with Chelle using separate selections for the competitive qualifiers and the friendly.

For the AFCON qualifiers, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returns alongside Arthur Okonkwo and Maduka Okoye. The defensive options include Olaoluwa Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Fredricks, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu.

Midfielders named are captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.

The attack features Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.

Isaac James, Ilenikhena and Usor are among the younger players receiving opportunities as Chelle continues to broaden his options.

The coach has selected a group for the Russia fixture, with Nwabali and several experienced players retained while emerging talents receive invitations.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Popoola Abdulrasaq are among the players included for the October friendly, while Chibuzor Atata and Samuel James join Nwabali among the goalkeeping options.

Chelle, who oversees Nigeria’s Olympic team, is expected to use the Russia match to assess players who could form part of the country’s future plans.

Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying campaign begins against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The team will then travel to Guinea-Bissau for the second Group L fixture on September 29.

The qualification group also contains co-hosts Tanzania, who have an automatic place at the 2027 tournament. This means the remaining teams are competing for the available qualifying position from the group.

The Super Eagles will therefore approach the September fixtures with the objective of securing points in their opening matches, before attention turns to the Russia friendly.

Chelle’s decision to name separate squads gives the coach an opportunity to balance competitive demands with player assessment as Nigeria prepares for both the AFCON campaign and future international assignments.