Victor Osimhen and Maduka Okoye miss out as Eric Chelle names Nigeria squad for Tanzania

Victor Osimhen and Maduka Okoye have been left out of Nigeria’s 24-man squad for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, while teenage midfielder Suleiman Mubarak has received his maiden senior call-up.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle announced his selection on Saturday, with Osimhen’s absence expected following knee surgery that will keep the Galatasaray striker out of action for several weeks.

Okoye’s omission, however, represents a selection decision by the Nigerian tactician, who has instead recalled Francis Uzoho to join Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo among the goalkeeping options.

Mubarak, who plays for Slavia Prague, is the standout newcomer in a midfield department featuring captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Samson Tijani and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Chelle has also recalled Yusuf Alhassan and Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, while Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika miss out.

In attack, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Usor and Taiwo Awoniyi have been selected. Kelechi Iheanacho also misses out.

Nigeria will host Tanzania in Uyo on November 13 before travelling for the return fixture on November 17. The Super Eagles need positive results to strengthen their qualification hopes.