Osimhen missing as Chelle names three debutants in Super Eagles’ 23-man squad for March friendlies

Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen is a conspicuous absentee following Eric Chelle’s announcement of his 23-man squad for the Super Eagles upcoming matches against Iran and Jordan, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Later this month, Nigeria will return to action for the first time since their third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Having failed to qualify for the World Cup scheduled for June, the Super Eagles will instead serve as sparring partners for qualified nations. Consequently, they have scheduled friendlies against Jordan and Iran in late March.

These matches will serve as crucial dress rehearsals for both opponents, as they have been drawn against African teams in their respective World Cup groups.

​Given the nature of these fixtures, Coach Chelle appears to have taken a more experimental approach. In addition to the absence of star striker Osimhen, Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is also missing from the roster.

​Nevertheless, the squad remains formidable, with most regular starters making the cut. The list includes captain Wilfred Ndidi, as well as Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, and Calvin Bassey.

Chelle has also handed maiden call-ups to three new players: Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers), Yira Sor (Genk), and Philip Otele (Hamburger SV).

​Super Eagles Squad List: Jordan and Iran

• ​Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC).
• ​Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers).
• ​Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC), Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio).
• ​Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV), Yira Sor (KRC Genk).

Nigeria will first play Iran on March 27 before facing Jordan four days later. Asides from helping these teams to prepare for the World Cup, coach Eric Chelle will be looking to test his new invitees and experiment a different setup.

Nonetheless, Nigerian fans will be expecting good football and a win from the two games even though the game is just a friendly.