{
  "id": 8071103,
  "title": "Chelle names Super Eagles squads for AFCON qualifiers, Russia friendly",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/chelle-names-super-eagles-squads-for-afcon-qualifiers-russia-friendly",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T18:24:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/chelle-names-super-eagles-squads-for-afcon-qualifiers-russia-friendly/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Eric Chelle, the head coach of Nigeria's National Football Team, known as the Super Eagles, has announced two squads for upcoming matches. The first squad is for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, scheduled for September 25 and September 29 respectively. The second squad is for an international friendly against Russia on October 6.\n\nFor the AFCON qualifiers, Chelle has selected a strong lineup. The goalkeeping trio includes Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, and Stanley Nwabali. Defensively, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel will form the back line. In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika will be instrumental. The forward line features Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Tolu Arokodare.\n\nHowever, for the upcoming friendly against Russia, Chelle has made several substitutions. In goal, Chibuzor Atata and Samuel James have been called up, joining Nwabali. Kelechi Iheanacho and Popoola Abdulrasaq have also been drafted in. The rest of the team has been similarly revamped, with several new faces being brought in to bolster the squad for the match against Russia.",
  "summary": "Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has named separate squads for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and a friendly with Russia Read More: https://punchng.com/chelle-names-super-eagles-squads-for-afcon-qualifiers-russia-friendly/",
  "key_points": [
    "Chelle announces two squads for AFCON qualifiers and Russia friendly.",
    "AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau on September 25 and 29.",
    "Russia friendly features several new faces in the team."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Chelle names Super Eagles squads for AFCON qualifiers, Russia friendly",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/chelle-names-super-eagles-squads-for-afcon-qualifiers-russia-friendly-8073076",
        "published": "2026-09-17T18:36:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}