Nigeria coach Eric Chelle announces squad for friendlies against Jordan and Iran

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his squad for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan, with headline omissions including star striker Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The exclusion of Osimhen, widely regarded as Nigeria’s leading attacking force, has raised eyebrows among fans, while Nwabali’s absence also comes as a surprise given his recent prominence between the posts.

Despite the notable omissions, Chelle has assembled a strong and balanced squad blending experience with emerging talent as the Super Eagles prepare to fine-tune their squad ahead of future competitive fixtures.

The Super Eagles intends to fine tune their squad for subsequent tournaments, having missed out on the 2026 World Cup tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

At the AFCON 2025  tournament in Morocco, the West African football giants produced an outstanding performance to finish third, defeating Egypt on penalties.

Below is the squad:

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho

Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Yira Sor