Nigeria announce squad for March international window; Chelle drops Osimhen
(Courtesy : Getty)
Victor Osimhen has not been called up to the squad.
Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has selected 23 players, including forward Ademola Lookman, midfield star Alex Iwobi, and captain Wilfred Ndidi, for this month’s international friendly fixtures against Iran and Jordan.
The Super Eagles have not qualified for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA. Now on Friday, March 27, Nigeria will play Iran’s senior men’s football team in Antalya. On Tuesday, March 31, they will play the Jordan national team.
Chelle has called up strikers Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, Akpororo, and Paul Onuachu; midfielder Frank Onyeka; goalkeeper Maduka Okoye; and defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi.
The absence of key players such as Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, and Victor Osimhen has drawn attention to the team announcement. As the squad continues to develop under Chelle, their absence gives others a chance to step forward.
It is anticipated that the upcoming friendlies will allow new players to settle into the team structure and give Chelle a better understanding of the depth of his roster.
Nigeria announce squad for March international friendlies
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC), Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC), Simon Moses (Paris FC), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV), Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk)
When will Nigeria face Iran and Jordan?
They will play Iran on the 27th and Jordan on the 31st March.
Has Osimhen been called up?
No, he hasn’t been called up.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.