By Peter Omopo
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan, leaving out key players including Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the squad in a statement on Wednesday, ahead of the matches scheduled to take place later this month.
Chelle retained captain Wilfred Ndidi, alongside Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, as part of the selected players for the fixtures.
The Super Eagles are set to face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches to be played in Antalya, Turkey. The fixtures were originally scheduled to hold in Amman, Jordan, but were relocated due to the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Among the players invited are goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, as well as forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
The squad also features new call-ups, including Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Fernandez, Germany-based forward Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor, who plays in Belgium.
Goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo also makes a return to the team.
The friendlies are expected to serve as part of preparations for upcoming international competitions, as the team continues to rebuild under Chelle’s leadership.
