Super Eagles: 5 notable absentees from Chelle’s AFCON qualifiers squad

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has announced his 24-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month, and most of the regulars are available, Afrik-Foot reports.

Only one team will qualify from Nigeria’s group, so they are looking to start off strongly and prevent complications in the latter stages of the series.

One of the most interesting is the inclusion of Victor Osimhen who is currently injured and was even expected to miss this round of qualifiers due to his injury. Nonetheless, in as much as it is a surprise, it is a big boost for the team.

However, there were some players who failed to make the cut. Some of them were instead named in the second squad to face Russia.

But the AFCON qualifiers squad is the main squad, so any player who did not make it can be safely see as unimportant at this point.

📋 Eric Chelle names squads for September and October 2026 Fixtures. pic.twitter.com/W3zThCDUfE

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 17, 2026

In this article, Afrik-Foot writes about five notable players who failed to make Chelle’s and the possible reason. Here are five notable names left out of the squad.

1. Paul Onuachu

Paul Onuachu’s omission is notable due to his experience and the different qualities he offers Nigeria’s attack.

The tall striker has long provided the Super Eagles with an alternative to a more mobile centre-forward. His aerial ability, physical presence and penalty-box positioning can give Nigeria a different route to goal, particularly when opponents defend deep or when the team needs a target for crosses.

Onuachu has also been part of Nigeria’s recent major-tournament plans. He was included in the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which just shows his place in the national team picture in recent years.

However, his omission from the team is not much of a surprise, as he is dealing with injury problems at Trabzonspor, and his form has not been convincing enough. He has scored only two goals in his last 12 games, so it is understandable,

2. Cyriel Dessers

Cyriel Dessers is another experienced forward whose absence stands out.

The striker made his international debut in 2020 and has remained part of the Super Eagles conversation despite strong competition in the position. He was also included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 AFCON.

Dessers offers a different attacking profile from Osimhen. He can operate as a central striker, make intelligent movements around the penalty area and contribute through his finishing and positioning.

His omission, therefore, leaves Chelle without one of the forwards who has previously provided depth in the national-team setup.

Still, it would be premature to interpret the decision as the end of Dessers’ international career. The forward is still working his way back to full fitness at Panathinaikos after spending the most part of the year dealing with injuries.

3. Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho’s absence is significant because of his international experience and versatility in attack.

The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward has played several roles for Nigeria, including as a second striker, attacking midfielder and centre-forward. That flexibility has made him a useful option across different tactical systems.

Iheanacho’s experience also means he is familiar with the demands of international football, including AFCON qualifying matches where Nigeria may face opponents defending in different ways.

The 29-year-old has been in red-hot form recently, scoring nine goals in seven straight games for his new club Bursaspor. However, although he was omitted from the AFCON qualifiers squad, Chelle named him in the squad for the friendly game against Russia.

4. Femi Azeez

Femi Azeez’s omission is notable because he represents one of the players seeking to establish himself more firmly in the Super Eagles setup.

The Reading-born Nigerian attacker has featured in discussions around Nigeria’s wider player pool, but his absence from this squad means he will not have the opportunity to make his case during the current qualifying window.

Azeez’s versatility and ability to operate in attacking areas make him a player worth monitoring, particularly as Chelle continues to assess options beyond the more established names.

The 24-year-old has even made a case for himself, as he performed brilliantly for Nigeria during the Unity Cup earlier this year, as he scored two goals and assisted another in that competition.

For Azeez, it is unlikely that this is a tactical issue. He has been injured for a month and is still working his way back to full fitness at his new club Brighton. In subsequent windows, he will likely make the cut.

5. Francis Uzoho

Francis Uzoho’s absence is also worth noting given his history with the national team.

Uzoho has been part of Nigeria’s goalkeeping setup for several years and has earned significant international experience.

However, his omission just shows the riches of quality that Chelle now has in the goalkeeper department. There is Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and of course, Arthur Okonkwo. Any of these players could easily become the first choice for the Super Eagles.

If all these players are fit and consistenly playing well at their clubs, it is difficult to see Uzoho return to the fold anytime soon.