Get Guardian on GoogleSuper Eagles manager Eric Chelle has named his 24-man squad for the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania, with a couple of notable names sidelined.
The Franco-Malian tactician kept the core of the squad that prosecuted matchdays 1 and 2 of the qualification series against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in September.
Kelechi Iheanacho and Gift Orban did not make the squad despite their blistering form in the Turkish 1st division and the Super Lig, respectively, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams retained their spots in the squad.
Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika also missed out on Chelle’s squad for the double-header as the Super Eagles head coach handed debut invitations to Under-23 duo Tijani Samson and Suleiman Muburak.
Alhassan Yusuf, Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru return to the squad after a period of absence, while Alex Iwobi and captain Wilfred Ndidi were included.
Victor Osimhen is unavailable for the November window of the qualification after picking up a knee injury in a Champions League fixture for Galatasaray against Stuttgart.
Udinese’s goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, did not make the list as Francis Uzoho returns to the squad while Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Nwabali got invitations for the crucial qualifier.
Super Eagles AFCON Qualifier Squad List for Tanzania
GOALKEEPERS
Arthur Okonkwo
Uzoho Francis
Stanley Nwabali
DEFENDERS
Bruno Onyemaechi, Olaoluwa Aina, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredricks, Bewene Abdullahi
MIDFIELDERS
Alexander Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Yusuf Alhassan, Nnadi Tochukwu, Tijani Samson Suleiman, Mubarak
Dele-Bashiru Oluwafisayo
FORWARDS
Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor
The Super Eagles will take on Tanzania on November 13th at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, in the first leg, while the return fixture holds four days later at the Amaan Stadium.
Nigeria’s qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations is threatened following the shock loss to Guinea-Bissau on matchday 2, making the double-header against the Taifa Stars a must-win.
Tanzania, having qualified as one of the host nations of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, automatically means only one team will qualify in Group L. Guinea-Bissau currently top the group with six points after two matches, while the Super Eagles have 3 points.
The Super Eagles last met Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman sealed a 2-1 win in Nigeria’s Group C opener in Fes two days before Christmas.
