Chelle calls up 13 new Super Eagles for Russia friendly, AFCON qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has handed first senior invitations to 13 players ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea‑Bissau. The newcomers, mostly plying their trade in European and Middle Eastern clubs, span goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.

Among them are 20‑year‑old goalkeeper Samuel James (Finnish side SJK), 22‑year‑old versatile defender Isaac James (Portuguese club Alverca), 19‑year‑old centre‑back Victory Akpe (Swiss side Basel), 24‑year‑old winger Moses Usor (Austrian club LASK), 19‑year‑old forward George Ilenikhena (Saudi Pro League’s Al‑Ittihad) and 19‑year‑old striker Umar Abdullahi (Czech side Hradec Králové). Other call‑ups include midfielders Chibuzo Nwoko (Fulham), Stephen Michael (Vendsyssel FF), Igor Wilfred (Kristiansund), Abdulrasaq Popoola (Al‑Wasl), Mubarak Suleiman (Slavia Prague), Umar Abubakar (Famalicão) and Peter Edokpolor (Benfica).

The friendlies and qualifiers give Chelle a chance to blend fresh talent with experienced stars. Fans can track the squad’s progress via the NFF website and Super Eagles social channels. Which of these newcomers do you think will break into the starting XI, and how might they reshape Nigeria’s chances in the upcoming fixtures?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/22/super-eagles-13-new-players-get-first-call-ups/