Nigeria's Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 24-player squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers. The squad list, released by the Nigeria Football Federation, features several new inclusions and notable omissions. Chelle, a Franco-Malian coach, has made significant changes to the team's midfield, dropping Franck Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika from the squad.
The midfield has been bolstered by the inclusion of Yusuf Alhassan and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who return to the team. They will be joined by Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijani, and Suleiman Mubarak, completing the midfield options for the qualifiers. The changes are seen as a strategic move by Chelle to strengthen the team's midfield ahead of the crucial qualifiers.
The attacking lineup has been maintained, with Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon expected to lead the pack in the absence of injured striker Victor Osimhen. Osimhen has not featured for Nigeria since January, and his absence has been felt by the team. Lookman and Simon will be supported by established players Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi, as well as Moses Usor, who has kept his place in the squad.
Injured George Ilenikhena has not been called up to the squad, and his place has not been filled by another player. The team's goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders have been carefully selected, with a mix of experienced players and new inclusions. The squad list includes goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, and Arthur Okonkwo, as well as defenders Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick, and Semi Ajayi.
Nigeria is currently second in Group L, behind Guinea-Bissau by three points, and needs to secure maximum points to maintain its hopes of qualifying for the AFCON. The Super Eagles will host Tanzania on November 13 and visit their opponents on November 17 in the qualifiers. These matches are crucial for the team's chances of advancing to the next stage of the competition.
The team's chances of qualifying for the AFCON have been boosted by the inclusion of experienced players and new talent in the squad. The Super Eagles have a strong squad on paper, and Chelle's strategic changes to the midfield are expected to pay off in the qualifiers. The team's fans are optimistic about its chances of securing a spot in the AFCON.
The full squad list for the Super Eagles includes 24 players across four positions. The team's preparation for the qualifiers is underway, and the players are expected to report for training soon. The Super Eagles will be looking to make a strong impression in the qualifiers and secure a spot in the AFCON.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has made significant changes to the team's midfield ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.
- The team will host Tanzania on November 13 and visit their opponents on November 17 in the qualifiers.
- The Super Eagles need to secure maximum points to maintain its hopes of qualifying for the AFCON.
