Super Eagles: 3 surprises from Chelle’s squad list for Tanzania 2027 AFCON qualifiers

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to return to action later this month as they take on Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

​They beat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening game of the series before being embarrassed by Guinea-Bissau in their second fixture. This makes the clash against Tanzania a must-win encounter, as anything short of victory will leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

​Chelle has named a strong 24-man squad ahead of the fixture, making several intriguing selection choices. Victor Osimhen was widely expected to headline the list, but a recent injury has sidelined him from the squad.

​In this article, Afrik-Foot examines some of the key decisions behind Chelle’s latest Super Eagles call-up.

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Notable Surprises From Super Eagles Squad List

​Maduka Okoye’s Absence

​Maduka Okoye’s omission from the squad is conspicuous, given that he is fully fit and has been featuring regularly for Udinese in recent weeks.

​It appears Chelle opted to overlook him, with the Franco-Malian tactician selecting Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, and Arthur Okonkwo instead.

​While the official reason for Okoye’s omission remains unconfirmed, it would not be far-fetched to link it to his late arrival in camp during the previous international break. That decision almost certainly means Nwabali will retain his place between the posts against Tanzania.

​Kelechi Iheanacho’s Snub

​Another notable talking point from Chelle’s squad is the exclusion of Kelechi Iheanacho. The Bursaspor forward has been in scintillating form this season, racking up 17 goals and three assists in 14 league appearances. Clearly, however, that was not enough to earn him a spot.

​Chelle has instead turned to strikers like Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and Taiwo Awoniyi.

​Crucially, the last time Iheanacho featured for Nigeria — against Russia — he found the back of the net. The selected forwards will now need to prove their mettle and shoulder the attacking burden in Osimhen’s absence.

​Benjamin Fredrick and Abdullahi Bewene Included

​Two notable inclusions in Chelle’s squad are Benjamin Fredrick and Abdullahi Bewene.

​Fredrick has not featured for Brentford’s senior team since the last international break, with the 21-year-old turning out primarily for the reserve side.

That lack of top-flight action, however, has not jeopardized his spot with the Super Eagles. While it is expected that Chelle would prioritize first-team regulars in established leagues, Fredrick is clearly an exception to that rule.

​Meanwhile, Bewene’s recall is equally intriguing. Having missed out on the previous round of qualifiers, he has forced his way back into the setup.

​The Baník Ostrava player is typically deployed at right-back for the national team, where his consistent, reliable performances make him a strong candidate to feature against Tanzania.