Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has extended first-time senior invitations to 13 players as he continues to expand his squad options ahead of Nigeria’s forthcoming international engagements.
The latest invitees, mostly drawn from clubs across Europe and the Middle East, cover different positions, including goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
While some of the players have been called up for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, others are included in the squads for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Chelle is maintaining separate squads for the AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and the subsequent friendly against Russia. The arrangement provides the coach with an opportunity to evaluate promising players who could establish themselves in the senior national team.
Samuel James – The 20-year-old goalkeeper currently features for Finnish side SJK.
Chibuzo Nwoko – The 20-year-old central midfielder plays for Fulham, having previously spent time in Chelsea’s youth system.
Isaac James – The 22-year-old utility defender is on the books of Portuguese club Alverca.
Victory Akpe – The 19-year-old centre-back currently represents Swiss side Basel.
Stephen Michael – Michael is currently playing for Danish club Vendsyssel FF.
Igor Wilfred – The 21-year-old midfielder features for Norwegian club Kristiansund.
Abdulrasaq Popoola – The 19-year-old midfielder plays for Al-Wasl.
Moses Usor – The 24-year-old winger currently plays for LASK.
Mubarak Suleiman – The 19-year-old attacking midfielder represents Czech club Slavia Prague.
Umar Abubakar – The 20-year-old forward plays for Portuguese side Famalicão.
George Ilenikhena – Ilenikhena operates as a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.
Peter Edokpolor – The 19-year-old forward is on the books of Portuguese giants Benfica.
Umar Abdullahi – The 19-year-old striker currently plays for Czech club Hradec Králové.
