Chelle has named the squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifier double-header against Tanzania.
Glamtush reports that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a strong 24-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania.
The squad, announced on Saturday, November 7, features a blend of established Super Eagles regulars and emerging talents as the Franco-Malian tactician seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s chances of securing qualification for the continental tournament.
See Nigeria’s 24-man squad for Tanzania double-header
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United).
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille), Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Mubarak Suleiman (Slavia Prague).
Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC), Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City), Akor Adams (Venezia), Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid), Tolu Arokodare (Ajax), Moses Usor (LASK).
One of the notable omissions from the squad is teenage forward George Ilenikhena, who does not make the final selection despite his previous involvement with the national team setup.
The inclusion of several returning players and emerging options, particularly in midfield and attack, provides Chelle with different tactical possibilities ahead of the two encounters.
Nigeria will host Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture at the Amman Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.
The double-header represents an important opportunity for the Super Eagles to revive their qualification campaign following an inconsistent start to the Group L series.
Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau away from home, leaving them in second position in the group.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, only one additional qualification ticket is available from Group L.
Consequently, Chelle and his players will be under pressure to secure maximum points from both encounters to improve Nigeria’s position and strengthen their hopes of reaching the tournament.
