Nigeria: Nwabali and Aina return, three new faces in Chelle's squad

Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina return to the Super Eagles, while Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena emerge as the new faces in the Nigeria squad. Eric Chelle has announced his group for the first two matchdays of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Stanley Nwabali returns in goal. The Chippa United goalkeeper is included alongside Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo in the squad selected by Eric Chelle. Ola Aina is also back. The Nottingham Forest defender joins a back line that notably includes Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredricks, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Chibuike Nwaiwu.

Three new faces

This squad marks the arrival of three players who are new to the Super Eagles group. Arthur Okonkwo is one of the three goalkeepers selected. The goalkeeper therefore joins Maduka Okoye and Nwabali for this international window.

In defence, Isaac James receives his first call-up to the senior national team. He is included in the list alongside Bruno Onyemaechi and provides another option on the left flank.

George Ilenikhena is the other newcomer in the attacking department. The forward joins the likes of Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare.

Victor Osimhen is indeed part of the squad selected by Eric Chelle. The forward is joined by several attacking players who are regulars in the squad, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon. Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams are also among the selected forwards.

Nigeria will therefore be able to count on Osimhen as it prepares for its first two 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures, subject to his physical condition when the squad assembles.

Eric Chelle is also retaining several established players in midfield. Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi are included in the list, along with Raphael Onyeka. This continuity also applies to the attack, where Lookman, Chukwueze and Moses Simon remain present.

Several regulars absent

The list also includes several absences compared with previous call-ups. William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Terem Moffi and Taiwo Awoniyi are not included in the squad announced for the qualifiers.

Zaidu Sanusi is also absent. His unavailability had already been reported and notably opens up a place for Isaac James in defence.

However, a player's absence from the list does not necessarily mean that he has been left out for sporting reasons: the reasons may vary depending on the individual circumstances.

The Super Eagles will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign on September 25 against Madagascar. Four days later, on September 29, they will face Guinea-Bissau.

The Nigeria squad therefore includes several returning players, a largely retained core and three new faces in Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations