Tremendous Eagles coach Eric Chelle, on Monday, unveiled his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers towards Rwanda and Zimbabwe set for later this month.
The Franco-Malian tactician had initially named a 39-man provisional final week, however this checklist is the ultimate lower for the gamers who’re to report back to camp subsequent week.
Coach Chelle ommitted some huge names like Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, Cyriel dessers, and plenty of others. In the meantime, Kayode Bankole, Igoh Ogbu, Tolu Arokodare, and Papa Daniel Mustapha earned their maiden call-ups to the Tremendous Eagles.
A few of these names are shock additions. And on this piece, Soccernet.ng spotlights a number of the shock additions within the Tremendous Eagles checklist.
1. Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface has had a tricky begin to the yr at Bayer Leverkusen. He has misplaced his place within the beginning eleven and has managed simply two objectives because the begin of the yr.
Additionally, he has been inefficient and ineffective at any time when he has led Nigeria’s assault. As such, Chelle’s resolution to choose him over Dessers, who has been concerned in 13 objectives because the begin of the yr is stunning. Furthermore, Dessers has even scored for Nigeria on totally different events.
2. Igoh Ogbu
Ogbu’s inclusion within the Tremendous Eagles squad comes as a shock because of his inexperience compared to Gabriel Osho, who was disregarded. The defender has had a powerful season with Slavia Prague as they sit on the summit of the Czech Liga.
Nonetheless, he’ll look to make an impactful debut if he will get the prospect.
3. Kayode Bankole
Bankole is one other shock addition to the checklist. The Remo Stars shotstopper has not made as much as ten Nigeria Premier Soccer League appearances this season as he has been displaced by Benin goalie Adebiyi Obassa.
Maduka Okoye was initially within the 39-man provisional checklist, so it’s shocking that Chelle dropped him for Bankole.
4. Papa Daniel Mustapha
Coach Eric Chelle had different high midfield choices like Christantus Uche and Frank Onyeka, however Daniel Mustapha appears to have made the Tremendous Eagles group simply so as to add to the variety of home-based skills on the group.
The Niger Tornadoes star has a pleasant left foot, however realistically, except one thing main occurs, he’ll solely make the bench.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a author with a few years of expertise overlaying sports activities occasions in Nigeria and overseas. He’s fueled by his love for the job, and is devoted to delivering charming tales.