Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has called up 13 new players to the senior national team ahead of Nigeria's upcoming international engagements. The players, mostly based in Europe and the Middle East, include goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. This move is part of Chelle's efforts to assess more players for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying campaign.
The new players have been invited for Nigeria's international friendly against Russia and the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Some of the players have received their first senior invitations, showcasing Chelle's intent to infuse fresh talent into the team. The 13 players invited are a mix of young and experienced footballers.
Among the new invitees are Samuel James, a 20-year-old goalkeeper who plays for Finnish club SJK, and Chibuzo Nwoko, a 20-year-old central midfielder who plays for Fulham. Nwoko previously spent time in Chelsea's youth system, which could prove valuable experience for the team.
Other notable invitees include Isaac James, a 22-year-old defender who plays for Portuguese club Alverca, and Victory Akpe, a 19-year-old centre-back who plays for Swiss club Basel. These players will add depth and versatility to the team's defensive lineup.
The list also includes Stephen Michael, who currently plays for Danish club Vendsyssel FF, and Igor Wilfred, a 21-year-old midfielder who plays for Norwegian club Kristiansund. Abdulrasaq Popoola, a 19-year-old midfielder who plays for Al-Wasl in the United Arab Emirates, is another player who has received his first senior invitation.
Additionally, Moses Usor, a 24-year-old winger who plays for Austrian club LASK, and Mubarak Suleiman, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder who plays for Czech club Slavia Prague, have been invited to join the team. Umar Abubakar, a 20-year-old forward who plays for Portuguese club Famalicão, and George Ilenikhena, a forward who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, will also be part of the squad.
The new invitations reflect Chelle's efforts to assess more players ahead of Nigeria's upcoming international engagements and the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The team's performance in these matches will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the tournament. Key players like Peter Edokpolor, a 19-year-old forward who plays for Portuguese club Benfica, Umar Abdullahi, a 19-year-old striker who plays for Czech club Hradec Králové, will be expected to make an impact.
Key points
- Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has invited 13 new players for upcoming international matches.
- The new players are mostly based in Europe and the Middle East.
- The invitations are part of Chelle's efforts to assess more players ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
