Éric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for the Nigeria national football team ahead of upcoming international friendlies against the Iran national football team and the Jordan national football team later this month.
The selection, reported by Nigeriasoccernet.com, includes a mix of established internationals and new additions, as the coach continues to shape his squad ahead of future competitive fixtures.
Among the headline names are captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, alongside regular members of the squad such as Maduka Okoye, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu.
Chelle has also handed maiden call-ups to Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor, signalling an intention to introduce new talent into the national team setup.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Iran on 27 March in Antalya before taking on Jordan on 31 March. Both matches were originally set to be played in Amman but were relocated due to the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.
The fixtures are expected to provide Chelle with an opportunity to evaluate his squad, test combinations and assess individual performances in a competitive environment.
In goal, the coach has selected Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye and Francis Uzoho, offering a blend of experience and competition for the starting position. The defensive options include Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu and debutant Emmanuel Fernandez.
Midfield responsibilities will be shared among Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while the attacking line features a range of options including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams, as well as newcomers Otele and Sor.
The composition of the squad reflects a balance between continuity and experimentation, as Chelle looks to build depth and identify players capable of contributing in future competitions.
With preparations continuing despite logistical changes to the fixtures, the upcoming friendlies will serve as a key stage in Nigeria’s ongoing squad development, offering insight into the team’s readiness and direction under Chelle’s leadership.
