Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has announced a new squad for Nigeria’s upcoming friendly matches, leaving out some top players like Victor Osimhen and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The Nigeria Football Federation released a list of 23 players on Wednesday.
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The squad includes both experienced players and some new ones.
Wilfred Ndidi will captain the team, while Alex Iwobi will play in midfield. Ademola Lookman is expected to lead the attack since Osimhen is not in the team.
Some other players who were part of the previous AFCON squad were also dropped. These include Amas Obasogie, Chidozie Awaziem, Ryan Alebiosu, Muhammed Usman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Salim Fago Lawal, and Cyriel Dessers.
Nigeria will play against Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31. Both matches will now take place in Antalya, Turkey.
The games were first planned to be played in Amman, but they were moved because of conflict in the Middle East.
In goal, Maduka Okoye returns to the team and will compete for the starting position. Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho are also included.
The defence includes experienced players like Semi Ajayi and new player Emmanuel Fernandez, who has been invited for the first time.
In midfield, Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka will be joined by Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
In attack, players like Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams are included.
Two new players, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor, have also been invited after performing well for their clubs.