Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania. Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Kelechi Iheanacho were omitted. The Nigeria Football Federation announced the squad on Saturday.
Nigeria missed the 2026 World Cup. That failure triggered a coaching change. Chelle took over with a mandate to rebuild. Nigeria has won the AFCON three times, most recently in 2013. The current group includes Tanzania, who co-host the 2027 finals. Only the group winner qualifies automatically. Nigeria sit second in Group L.
Chelle selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards. Captain Wilfred Ndidi leads the midfield. Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf, Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijani and Mubarak Suleiman also feature. Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor make up the attack.
Osimhen’s absence is injury-related. He suffered a right adductor strain in September. Okoye’s omission follows his late arrival at the previous camp. Iheanacho has struggled for form. The squad includes returning goalkeeper Francis Uzoho. Defender Chibuike Nwaiwu and wing-back Abdullahi Bewene earn call-ups. Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Benjamin Fredricks are also included.
Nigeria host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13 November. The return leg holds at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, 17 November. Nigeria need wins to improve their chances of topping the group. Chelle’s selections signal a shift toward squad depth over star names. The coach is building for the long term.
Winners: New call-ups, who gain opportunities. Ndidi, who retains the captaincy. The NFF, which shows continuity. Players in form, who are rewarded. Losers: Osimhen, Okoye and Iheanacho, who miss out. Their clubs, which lose international exposure. Fans who wanted to see the stars. The players’ commercial partners.
Bottom Line: Chelle picked a squad, not a collection of names. Osimhen’s injury forced his hand. The omissions of Okoye and Iheanacho are statements. Nigeria need wins. The coach is betting on the group, not the individual.