AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Chelle Names Ndidi, Iwobi and Lookman in 24-Man Super Eagles Squad

Posted : 07 November 2026

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has unveiled a 24-man squad for Nigeria's crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman among the headline selections.

The squad, announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Saturday, November 7, features a combination of established internationals and emerging players as Nigeria look to strengthen their qualification hopes.

However, the selection has attracted attention following the absence of several notable names, including striker Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Kelechi Iheanacho.

Osimhen's omission follows a knee injury that required surgery, while Okoye and Iheanacho have also been left out of Chelle's latest selection.

Ndidi will captain the team, with Fulham midfielder Iwobi and Lazio's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru providing additional quality in midfield. Defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi have also retained their places, while Moses Simon, Lookman and Akor Adams are included among the attacking options.

In goal, Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo have been selected to compete for places. Uzoho returns to the squad as Chelle considers his options following Okoye's omission.

The defensive department also features Olaoluwa Aina, Benjamin Fredricks, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi.

Chelle has further introduced fresh options by including Turkey-based defender Chibuike Nwaiwu and Czechia-based wing-back Abdullahi Bewene.

In midfield, Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijani, Alhassan Yusuf and Mubarak Suleiman have been selected alongside Ndidi, Iwobi and Dele-Bashiru.

The attacking department will feature Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Usor, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, giving the coach several options in the absence of Osimhen and Iheanacho.

One of the major talking points is the inclusion of Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who receives an opportunity to strengthen his international credentials. Suleiman Mubarak is another notable inclusion as Chelle continues to introduce emerging talent into the senior national team.

The Super Eagles will begin their two-match assignment against Tanzania's Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13.

Nigeria will then travel to Zanzibar for the return encounter at the Amman Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.

The double-header represents a significant challenge for the three-time African champions, who currently occupy second position in Group L and are under pressure to collect maximum points.

With only the group winners guaranteed qualification, Nigeria cannot afford further setbacks as they pursue a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

The competition will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, making qualification particularly important for Chelle's team as they seek to return to the continental showpiece.

The NFF has emphasised the importance of winning both encounters to strengthen Nigeria's position in the qualification race.

Nigeria's 24-Man Squad for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava, Czechia).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France); Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova, Slovakia); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Mubarak Suleiman (SK Slavia Prague, Czechia).

Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City, England); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, Netherlands); Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria).

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Chelle Names Ndidi, Iwobi and Lookman in 24-Man Super Eagles Squad

Nigeria's 24-Man Squad for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

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