Okoye Replaces Nwabali as Chelle Calls Up 23 Players for Four-Nation Friendly Tournament

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to compete in friendly matches against Iran and Jordan, with key players Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali missing from the 23-man squad.

Victor Osimhen has exhibited strong performances for Galatasaray in both league and UEFA Champions League fixtures. However, no specific reasons for his absence were provided. Meanwhile, Stanley Nwabali remains club-less following his departure from Chippa United.

In spite of these absences, coach Eric Chelle has invited Paul Onuachu to bolster the attack and has recalled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who last featured for the squad in November 2025.

Another notable omission is Amas Obasogie, who is absent due to a combination of lackluster form and allegations of match-fixing, from which he was ultimately cleared. His spot has been filled by Greece-based Adeleye Adebayo.

Onuachu has been in impressive form in the Turkish League, scoring in eight consecutive games and leading the scoring charts with 21 goals, positioning him as a key player in the absence of Osimhen.

Chelle has also brought in new talents Philip Otele Collins, Yira Sor, and Emmanuel Fernandez, who plays in Scotland, for a chance to earn their first caps. Established players such as Calvin Bassey in defense, captain Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, and Ademola Lookman in attack, who contributed to Nigeria's bronze performance at AFCON 2025, have also received calls to the squad.

The Super Eagles will face Iran in Antalya on March 27 and take on Jordan on March 31, as part of the four-nation tournament hosted by Jordan, which also includes Costa Rica.

FULL LIST: SUPER EAGLES INVITEES FOR IRAN & JORDAN

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus).

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland).

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy).

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany), Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium).