Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has left out Victor Osimhen from Nigeria’s squad for upcoming friendly matches against Iran and Jordan, Soccernet.ng reports.
The striker has been in outstanding form for Galatasaray, scoring 18 goals in all competitions, including seven goals and three assists in the Champions League. Despite that impressive run, the former Napoli forward will not feature in Nigeria’s first games since finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is also missing from the squad. His absence is less surprising, as he has been without a club since leaving Chippa United after the tournament.
Chelle has instead named a 23-man squad for the friendlies, keeping experienced players such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman.
Chelle names fresh faces in squad for Jordan, Iran
The matches, initially planned for Amman in Jordan, have been moved to Antalya in Turkey due to the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Nigeria will now face Iran on Friday, 27 March, before taking on Jordan on Tuesday, 31 March, both in Antalya.
Chelle has handed recalls to Maduka Okoye, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Frank Onyeka, while forwards Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu also return.
There are first-time call-ups for Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, Hamburg forward Philip Otele and Genk winger Collins Yira Sor, all rewarded for their club performances in Europe.
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye is back in the squad as well.
23 Super Eagles squad for friendlies against Iran & Jordan:
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)