Nigeria's Super Eagles are set to usher in a new era under coach Éric Chelle, with 13 new players receiving their first senior invitations. The new faces, drawn from European clubs and the Middle East, cut across defence, midfield, goalkeeping, and attack. Chelle's approach is intentional, as he broadens his options ahead of Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and a subsequent international friendly against Russia.
Among the new invitees are Isaac James, Moses Usor, and George Ilenikhena, who have been included in the squad for the AFCON qualifiers. James, a versatile defender from Alverca, brings experience and depth to the left side of defence. Usor, an experienced winger with LASK, played a key role in his club's recent league-and-cup double in Austria. Ilenikhena, a Lagos-born striker with Champions League experience, has committed his international future to Nigeria despite previously being eligible to represent France.
George Ilenikhena, 20, began his development in France with Amiens before moving to Royal Antwerp and subsequently Monaco. He gained valuable exposure at the highest level of European club football and scored in the UEFA Champions League. Ilenikhena joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in 2026 and has now committed his international future to Nigeria. His inclusion in the AFCON qualifying squad gives him a potentially immediate route to his senior debut.
Other new invitees include Victory Akpe, a towering centre-back from Basel, and Samuel James, a young goalkeeper from Finnish club SJK. Akpe, 19, has made a rapid progression through European football, moving from Lithuania to Hungary before joining Basel in 2026. His size and ability to play out from the back make him an attractive option for Chelle. James, 20, has established himself in Finland and earned the opportunity to compete for a place among Chelle's goalkeeping options.
Chibuzo Nwoko, a 20-year-old left-footed central midfielder from Fulham's academy, has switched his international allegiance to Nigeria. Nwoko has represented England at Under-18 level but has now opted to play for the Super Eagles. His inclusion gives Chelle another technically inclined midfield option and adds another player with experience of English youth football to Nigeria's growing international pool.
Stephen Fumelu, a 19-year-old central midfielder from Danish club Vendsyssel FF, and Igor Wilfred, a 21-year-old midfielder from Norwegian club Kristiansund, are also among the new invitees. Fumelu has developed a reputation as an energetic box-to-box midfielder, while Wilfred has established himself as a regular starter in the Norwegian Eliteserien. Both players will look to show that their qualities can translate to international football.
The 13 new players will look to make a strong impression on Chelle as they aim to secure a place in the Super Eagles squad. With a mix of youth and experience, the new faces will provide Chelle with a wider pool of options as he prepares for Nigeria's upcoming international engagements. The players' performances in training and upcoming matches will determine their chances of making the cut for future Super Eagles squads.
Key points
- Éric Chelle invites 13 new players to Super Eagles ahead of international engagements
- New faces include Isaac James, Moses Usor, and George Ilenikhena, who have been included in the AFCON qualifying squad
- The new players have been drawn from European clubs and the Middle East, and cut across defence, midfield, goalkeeping, and attack
