Chelle’s Super Eagles AFCON squad: Bassey, Lookman, Iwobi among Nigeria’s automatic picks

Nigeria Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign starts against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, with Guinea-Bissau waiting four days later, Afrik-Foot reports.

Eric Chelle is expected to rely heavily on his established players for the qualifiers, while a younger group could be used for the October 6 friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod.

Super Eagles’ projected squad for the AFCON qualifiers

Goalkeepers

Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo are the strongest candidates in the Super Eagles‘ goalkeeping department.

Nwabali has been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper through much of Chelle’s tenure, while Okoye brings Serie A experience. Okonkwo has also forced his way back into the picture after keeping clean sheets against Zimbabwe and Jamaica in the Unity Cup. Charlton confirmed his September call-up, giving Chelle three credible options.

Defence

Calvin Bassey, Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredrick and Igoh Ogbu form the projected defensive core.

Bassey is one of the safest selections after establishing himself as a regular in Fulham’s defence and Nigeria’s back line. Aina provides experience at both full-back positions, while Ajayi remains an important leadership figure. Fredrick has also recovered from his recent fitness scare and returned to training.

Zaidu Sanusi will not be available. The Porto left-back suffered a right adductor injury in the 17th minute of the 3-0 win over Académico Viseu and is expected to miss about two months.

Midfield

Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf are the leading choices.

Iwobi offers Chelle a player who can connect midfield with attack, while Ndidi brings defensive strength and experience. Onyedika has become a regular part of Nigeria’s midfield pool, with Onyeka providing energy and Alhassan another ball-winning option.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a fitness doubt. The Lazio midfielder has been out since suffering a thigh injury against Bologna on August 24, although he was close to returning to group training last week.

Tochukwu Nnadi is out. He injured his knee against Monaco on August 30 and is expected back around October.

Attack

Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Kelechi Iheanacho and Gift Orban are the main attacking candidates.

Lookman is an obvious selection when fit, while Chukwueze and Simon give Chelle wide options. Arokodare and Akor Adams provide centre-forward alternatives.

Victor Osimhen, however, is out. Galatasaray confirmed a right adductor injury after he was substituted in the 33rd minute of the 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 5. He is expected to miss the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau games.

Sadiq Umar is out after Valencia confirmed a right hamstring injury suffered after scoring against Deportivo La Coruña. His recovery could take up to eight weeks.

Yira Sor is also unavailable for about six weeks after an 11-centimetre hamstring injury, while Christantus Uche is out for the season following knee surgery.

Super Eagles boss Chelle therefore enters the first AFCON window with a familiar core, but without Nigeria’s most important striker and several useful squad options.