Meet 13 new players in Chelle’s latest Super Eagles call-ups

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has added 13 new players to the list of his first senior invitations. These fresh faces have come from various clubs across Europe and the Middle East and include defenders, midfielders, goalkeepers, and forwards. Several of these players will feature in Nigeria's international friendly against Russia, while others have been included for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Chelle is managing separate squads for both the AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and the subsequent friendly against Russia, providing an opportunity to evaluate younger players who may eventually become part of the senior setup.

The 13 new players receiving their first senior call-ups are:

1. Isaac James, a 22-year-old defender who can play as a left-back, wing-back, or left centre-back.

2. Victory Akpe, a 19-year-old centre-back who has risen rapidly in European football.

3. Samuel James, a 20-year-old goalkeeper who has established himself in Finland.

4. Chibuzo Nwoko, a 20-year-old left-footed central midfielder who has represented England at Under-18 level and made his senior club debut.

5. Stephen Fumelu, a 19-year-old central midfielder who has impressed for Danish club Vendsyssel FF.

6. Igor Wilfred, a 21-year-old central or defensive midfielder for Norwegian club Kristiansund.

7. Abdulrasaq Popoola, a 19-year-old midfielder from Al-Wasl.

8. Chiekezie Osimhen, whose extraordinary abilities are difficult to stop (direct quote from a named speaker).

9. Mubarak Suleiman, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder from Slavia Prague.

10. Moses Usor, a 24-year-old winger from LASK.

11. George Ilenikhena, a 20-year-old striker who has played for Amiens, Royal Antwerp, Monaco, and Al-Ittihad.

12. Peter Edokpolor, a 19-year-old forward from Benfica.

13. Umar Abubakar, a 20-year-old striker from Famalicão.