Super Eagles new player call-ups: Top 5 players who impressed on debut

The Super Eagles have welcomed several new players in recent years, with many of them going on to make an instant impact with the national team, Afrik-Foot reports.

Since taking charge as Super Eagles head coach in January 2025, Eric Chelle has also handed several players their senior international debuts, giving them opportunities to prove themselves.

While some of those players have taken their chances and wasted little time showing what they can offer, others have found it more difficult to make an impact and are still waiting for further opportunities.

With several matches still to come, more new players will have the chance to make their mark for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria return to action on Tuesday when they face Guinea-Bissau in their second match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles will be looking for another victory after starting their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar.

Two debutants, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, scored in that game, showing once again that new players can make an immediate impact when given the opportunity.

Afrik-Foot looks at five players who have impressed on their Super Eagles debuts in recent years.

Ranking the top five players who impressed on their Super Eagles debut

5. Julius Aghahowa

Julius Aghahowa announced himself on the biggest stage when he scored for Nigeria against Morocco at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations.

He scored Nigeria’s second goal in their final group game of the tournament before celebrating with his trademark backflip. Nigeria eventually finished second in the tournament, losing to Cameroon on penalties in the final.

Aghahowa had not previously played for the senior national team, having only represented Nigeria at youth level before earning his chance with the Super Eagles.

He went on to enjoy an impressive international career, scoring 14 goals in 32 appearances for Nigeria. Aghahowa also scored Nigeria’s only goal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the impact he made after breaking into the senior team.

4. Obafemi Martins

Obafemi Martins also made an immediate impact when he made his Super Eagles debut against the Republic of Ireland in 2004.

The ex-Inter Milan forward scored on his first appearance for Nigeria, netting the second goal in the Unity Cup tournament.

That goal put him among the group of Nigerian players who found the net in their first appearance for the national team and he would go on to become an important attacking player for the Super Eagles.

3. George Ilenikhena

George Ilenikhena produced another memorable debut when Nigeria faced Madagascar in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier last Friday.

The 20-year-old was handed a starting role by Chelle and responded by scoring the equaliser just before half-time. Nigeria had fallen behind to Madagascar and were struggling to break down the visitors, but Ilenikhena’s finish brought the Super Eagles back into the game.

It was an important moment for the young striker, who had only recently committed his international future to Nigeria after representing France at youth level.

Ilenikhena will now be hoping to build on that impressive introduction and establish himself as an important part of the Super Eagles attack.

2. Moses Usor

Moses Usor needed only a few minutes to make his mark against Madagascar. The LASK forward came off the bench in the second half with the score tied at 1-1 and produced the winning moment later in the game.

Usor picked up the ball inside his own half, drove forward past defenders and finished brilliantly to give Nigeria a 2-1 comeback victory.

The 24-year-old completely changed the game, giving Nigeria the goal that secured three points in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.

1. Femi Azeez

Femi Azeez enjoyed one of the most impressive Super Eagles debuts in recent years.

The winger had enjoyed a remarkable season with Millwall in the English Championship before earning his first call-up for the 2026 Unity Cup.

Azeez announced himself in spectacular fashion during Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final, scoring both goals.

He opened the scoring with a fine effort from outside the box before adding his second after the break. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and gave Chelle another attacking option to consider.

The former Millwall forward then provided an assist in the final against Jamaica and finished his first two appearances for Nigeria with three goal contributions.