Chelle names seperate Super Eagles squads for AFCON qualifiers, Russia friendly

FILE: Nigeria’s players pose ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023 semi-final football match between Nigeria and South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on February 7, 2024. (Photograph: Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named separate squads for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the international friendly against Russia.

The Nigeria Football Federation released the squad lists on Thursday, with the Super Eagles scheduled to face Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29 before taking on Russia in a friendly on October 6.

For the AFCON qualifiers, Chelle selected goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali.

The defensive line includes Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika headline the midfield.

In attack, Chelle named Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Tolu Arokodare.

For the Russia friendly, the coach made several changes, including the inclusion of Chibuzor Atata and Samuel James alongside Nwabali in goal.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Popoola Abdulrasaq are also among the players called up for the friendly, alongside several other new faces.

See the full squad lists below: