Chelle names Super Eagles squads for AFCON qualifiers, Russia friendly

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has named separate squads for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and the subsequent international friendly against Russia.

The Nigeria Football Federation released the squad lists on Thursday, with Nigeria scheduled to face Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29 before taking on Russia in a friendly on October 6.

Osimhen, Lookman headline AFCON squad

For the AFCON qualifiers, Chelle selected goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali.

The defensive options include Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika headline the midfield, while the attack features Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Tolu Arokodare.

Chelle makes changes for Russia friendly

Chelle made several changes to the squad for the Russia friendly, with Chibuzor Atata and Samuel James joining Nwabali as the goalkeeping options.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Popoola Abdulrasaq are among the players called up for the October fixture.

The separate squad selections will allow Chelle to manage the players across Nigeria’s competitive AFCON qualifiers and the friendly against Russia.

Nigeria’s immediate focus will be on the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau before the Super Eagles face Russia in Moscow on October 6.

The full squad lists are:

AFCON Qualifiers vs Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau

Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali.

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika.

Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare.