Super Eagles squad vs Tanzania: Eric Chelle’s 3 biggest decisions

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has left out several established players from his 24-man squad for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Kelechi Iheanacho and Maduka Okoye are among the notable absentees, while Victor Osimhen misses out following knee surgery.

Chelle has recalled Tochukwu Nnadi, Yusuf Alhassan and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while teenage midfielder Suleiman Mubarak has received his first senior call-up.

Super Eagles squad: 3 bold Eric Chelle calls

However, three decisions stand out from the Super Eagles squad announcement.

1. Dropping Onyeka and Onyedika together

Chelle’s decision to leave out Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika is perhaps the biggest surprise on the list.

Both midfielders have featured regularly in the Super Eagles squad since the Malian took charge. Their experience and familiarity with the coach’s tactics made their inclusion seem likely for the Tanzania matches.

Instead, Chelle has dropped both players. Their omission comes after Nigeria’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September, although the coach has not explained why he left them out.

Tochukwu Nnadi and Yusuf Alhassan have been recalled in their place. Both midfielders will now have a chance to impress Chelle and make their claims for regular places in the team.

2. Iheanacho misses out despite Osimhen’s injury

Kelechi Iheanacho’s absence is another decision that will surprise many Super Eagles supporters.

With Osimhen unavailable following knee surgery, the Bursaspor striker appeared to have a strong case for inclusion, particularly given his recent form in Turkey.

Iheanacho has scored 17 league goals in 14 appearances and provided three assists. He also scored for Nigeria in their recent friendly against Russia.

Despite those numbers, Chelle has decided against recalling the former Leicester City and Sevilla forward.

Instead, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi will lead Nigeria’s attack.

Leaving out a striker in such form, especially with Osimhen unavailable, is a big call from the Super Eagles coach. The three selected forwards will have to deliver when Nigeria face Tanzania.

3. Okoye’s surprise exclusion

Maduka Okoye is another high-profile absentee from the squad.

The Udinese goalkeeper has been playing regularly in Serie A and recently made headlines with an important penalty save.

However, Chelle has selected Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo ahead of him.

Nwabali is expected to remain Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, but Okoye’s exclusion leaves questions about the team’s options should the Chippa United goalkeeper become unavailable.

At 27, Okoye is also the only Nigerian goalkeeper playing regularly in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Chelle has backed his three selected goalkeepers, and they will need to justify that decision during the qualifiers.

Nigeria face crucial Tanzania double-header

The Super Eagles will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture on November 17.

Nigeria are second in Group L and need maximum points from both matches to strengthen their chances of reaching the 2027 AFCON.

Chelle has made some difficult selection calls. Whether they prove right will become clearer when the Super Eagles take to the pitch against Tanzania.