International Friendlies: Osimhen, Nwabali missing as Lookman, 19 others included

Posted : 19 March 2026

The recently injured Galatasaray FC of Turkey forward Victor Osimhen and Chippa FC of South Africa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are the major omissions as Head Coach Eric Chelle picked team captain Wilfred Ndidi, midfield ace Alex Iwobi, and forward Ademola Lookman in a list of 23 players for this month’s international friendly matches against Iran and Jordan.

The matches have now been moved from the Jordanian capital, Amman, to the city of Antalya in Turkey.

The Super Eagles will take on Iran’s senior men's football team in Antalya on Friday, 27th March (with kick-off set for 4pm local time), and then the Jordan senior men's national team on Tuesday, 31st March (with kick-off set for 8pm local time).

Originally scheduled for the 17,000-capacity Amman International Stadium and the 62,000-capacity King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (also in Amman), the games had to be moved to a new venue following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.

Chelle has also called Italy-based goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, midfielder Frank Onyeka, and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu.

Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez is called up for the first time, as are Germany-based forward Philip Otele and KRC Genk of Belgium’s Collins Yira Sor, a former junior international.

Greece-based goaltender Adeleye Adebayo also returns to the fold.

23 Super Eagles for call-up:

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Head Coach Eric Chelle has assembled a 23-man squad for the upcoming friendlies in Turkey, notably resting the injured Victor Osimhen and Stanley Nwabali. The inclusion of several debutants alongside experienced veterans like Ndidi and Iwobi signals a strategic mix of fresh talent and seasoned leadership. These fixtures against Iran and Jordan remain vital preparations for the national team despite the recent venue changes.

International Friendlies: Osimhen, Nwabali missing as Lookman, 19 others included

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