{
  "id": 8073076,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T18:36:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/chelle-names-super-eagles-squads-for-afcon-qualifiers-russia-friendly/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle has announced separate squads for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as a friendly match against Russia. The teams will face Madagascar on September 25, Guinea-Bissau on September 29, and Russia on October 6. For the qualifiers, Chelle selected goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, and Stanley Nwabali. Defenders include Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. In the midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika lead the charge. The forward line consists of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Tolu Arokodare.\n\nFor the friendly match against Russia, Chelle made some changes. He added Chibuzor Atata and Samuel James to the goalkeeping lineup, alongside Nwabali. Kelechi Iheanacho and Popoola Abdulrasaq were also called up. Other notable changes include the inclusion of Okiki, a journalist with seven years of experience covering politics, foreign news, society, entertainment, and the film industry.",
  "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": [
    "Nigeria's Eric Chelle announces separate squads for AFCON qualifiers and Russia friendly.",
    "Goalkeepers for qualifiers: Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali.",
    "Forward line includes Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-17T18:24:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}