Osimhen out! Super Eagles announce squad for Jordan, Iran friendlies
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Nigeria open camp in Turkey for four-nation tournament
For the first time since winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Nigerian national football team have reassembled in preparation for their four-nation tournament alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica during this month’s international break.
The Nigerian Football Federation has explained that this tournament will be a part of their broader technical development plans aimed at strengthening the national team after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America this June.
Eric Chelle announced his 23-man squad over the weekend, and the Malian tactician has maintained the core of the team that featured in Morocco, including the likes of skipper Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Frank Onyeka, and the Fulham trio of Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi.
The headline omission from the Super Eagles squad for this month’s fixtures was talisman Victor Osimhen, who had been playing for Galatasaray with a thigh problem before sustaining an injury to his arm against Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash.
Other notable absentees include regular goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been without a club since opting to depart Chippa United in the PSL after the AFCON. Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina also failed to make the cut as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Scottish giants Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, Hamburger loanee Philip Otele and Genk winger Yira Collins Sor were all handed first-time call-ups to the national squad, while Adebayo Adeleye earned a recall as a replacement in goal for Nwabali.
Nigeria will take on Iran on Friday, March 27, and Jordan on Tuesday, March 31. You can follow all of the action from the Super Eagles’ game on our football livescore tool.
Super Eagles 23-man squad for four-nation tournament
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoy, Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho
Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel; Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Collins Yira Sor
