Chelle Invites Ndidi, Osimhen, Iwobi, 21 Others for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has invited captain Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi and 21 other players for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face the Wild Dogs on Tuesday, September 29.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Ndidi, Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, as well as forwards Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, are among the experienced players named in Chelle’s 24-man squad.
Maduka Okoye and Chippa United goalkeeper Nwabali are joined by Charlton Athletic’s Arthur Okonkwo in the goalkeeping department.
In defence, Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olaoluwa Aina have been selected.
England-based defenders Aina and Fredricks return to the squad, while Unity Cup revelations Okonkwo and Nwaiwu have also been handed places as they battle for shirts with more established names.
Portugal-based defender James earns his first call-up to the three-time African champions, while forwards George Ilhenikina and Moses Usor also receive their maiden invitations.
Chelle’s midfield options are Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyedika and Onyeka, while Osimhen, Lookman, Simon, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Ilhenikina and Usor make up the attacking options.
Nigeria will be hoping to secure maximum points against Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for the second qualifying fixture four days later.
Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Isaac James (Alverca, Portugal), Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford, England), Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers, Scotland), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England).
Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Akor Adams (Venezia, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Ajax, Netherlands), George Ilhenikina (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia), Moses Usor (LASK, Austria).
