Eric Chelle Gives First Super Eagles Call-Ups to 13 Players

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has expanded his player pool by giving 13 footballers their first senior call-ups. Most of those selected play for clubs in Europe and the Middle East, and the group includes goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards. Some of the newcomers are in the squad for an international friendly with Russia, while others are included for Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The invited players are: Samuel James, a 20-year-old goalkeeper with Finnish side SJK. Chibuzo Nwoko, a 20-year-old central midfielder at Fulham, who previously came through Chelsea's youth setup. Isaac James, a 22-year-old defender who can play in multiple positions for Portuguese club Alverca. Victory Akpe, a 19-year-old centre-back with Swiss club Basel. Stephen Michael, who plays for Danish club Vendsyssel FF. Igor Wilfred, a 21-year-old midfielder with Norwegian club Kristiansund. Abdulrasaq Popoola, a 19-year-old midfielder at Al-Wasl. Moses Usor, a 24-year-old winger for LASK. Mubarak Suleiman, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder with Czech side Slavia Prague. Umar Abubakar, a 20-year-old forward with Portuguese club Famalico. George Ilenikhena, a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. Peter Edokpolor, a 19-year-old forward with Portuguese club Benfica. Umar Abdullahi, a 19-year-old striker for Czech club Hradec Krlov. Chelle's new call-ups allow him to evaluate rising talent together with established Super Eagles players including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon.