Eric Chelle names 24-man Super Eagles squad for Tanzania AFCON qualifiers
Eric Chelle has named a 24-man Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s crucial November double-header against Tanzania as they seek to strengthen their position in the 2027 AFCON qualifying race.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.
The squad, announced on Saturday, November 7, features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards as Nigeria look to revive their qualification campaign.
Arthur Okonkwo, Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali are the three goalkeepers selected, while the defensive department includes Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredricks, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Abdullahi Bewene and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi.
In midfield, experienced duo Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are joined by Alhassan Yusuf, Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijani, Mubarak Suleiman and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moses Usor complete the attacking options.
Notably, Victor Osimhen is absent from the selection following a knee injury that requires surgery, raising concerns over Nigeria’s attacking options ahead of the encounters.
Eric Chelle’s men face Tanzania on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17 to complete a double-header that carries significant importance for Nigeria, who have endured a difficult start to their Group L campaign.
The Super Eagles opened with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second fixture, leaving them with three points from two matches.
Guinea-Bissau currently lead the group with six points, while Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Consequently, only one additional qualification spot is available in the group, leaving Nigeria with little room for further mistakes.
Victory in both meetings with Tanzania would provide Chelle’s side with a much-needed opportunity to strengthen their position and keep their AFCON ambitions alive.
