Osimhen, Clubless Nwabali Missing as Chelle Names 23-Man Squad for Iran, Jordan Friendlies
The absence of star striker Victor Osimhen and clubless goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is the biggest talking point as Head Coach Eric Chelle unveiled his 23-man Super Eagles squad for this month’s international friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi, midfield maestro Alex Iwobi, and in-form forward Ademola Lookman headline the list, which also includes Italy-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and attacking options such as Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu.
The matches, originally scheduled for Amman, Jordan, have been relocated to Antalya, Turkey, following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Nigeria will face Iran’s senior men’s team on Friday, 27 March, with kickoff at 4 p.m. local time, before taking on Jordan on Tuesday, 31 March, at 8 p.m.
Chelle has handed first-time call-ups to Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, Germany-based forward Philip Otele, and Collins Yira Sor of Belgium’s KRC Genk.
Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo also returns to the fold.
The squad blends experience with fresh talent, but the omission of Napoli forward Osimhen, Nigeria’s most prolific striker in recent years, will dominate discussions ahead of the Antalya fixtures.
