Nigeria and Goztepe youngster Anthony Dennis. Photo Credit X
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his first provisional squad of 39 players ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, Soccernet.ng reports.
While the list will be trimmed to 23 players before the games, several talking points have emerged from Chelle’s maiden selection.
One of the biggest surprises is the inclusion of Anthony Junior Dennis, a relatively unknown midfielder handed his first-ever international call-up.
With Nigeria boasting an array of top talents across the globe, it’s rare for a 20-year-old to break into the senior national team – especially one who has never represented the country at youth level.
Born in Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria, just over 20 years ago, Dennis honed his skills playing street football – a familiar starting point for many Nigerian youngsters.
His raw talent stood out, earning him stints at several local academies before he joined HB Academy in Abuja to sharpen his game.
Dennis’s potential was evident early on, attracting scouts from Turkey while still in his teens. In January 2023, Göztepe SK won the race for his signature, bringing him into their U19 setup.
Despite being younger and less experienced than many of his teammates, Dennis quickly adapted and forced his way into the senior squad. He made his professional debut on 27 January 2024 in a 1-1 draw against Çorum in the Turkish First League.
The midfielder played a crucial role as Goztepe secured promotion back to the Süper Lig after two seasons in the second tier – finishing second on the log.
Dennis made 15 league appearances – 14 of them starts – scoring two goals and helping the club achieve their promotion dream.
His rise didn’t go unnoticed, with Goztepe rewarding him with a new contract in May 2024, tying him to the club until 2027.
A defensive midfielder with excellent passing range, tough tackling ability, and boundless energy, Dennis is tailor-made for the high-intensity style of the Turkish top flight.
Under Bulgarian coach Stanimir Stoilov, Dennis has played a key role in Goztepe’s impressive return to the Süper Lig, featuring in 20 of their 24 matches this season – all as a starter – and providing three assists.
Goztepe currently sit sixth on the table, with one of the best defensive records outside the top five.
While much of the Nigerian spotlight in Turkey has been on Victor Osimhen‘s exploits at Galatasaray, Dennis has quietly worked his way into the conversation with consistent performances.
Dennis’s relentless work ethic, tactical discipline, and hunger have earned him a place in Eric Chelle’s squad. He fits the mould of the Franco-Malian coach’s philosophy – young, hungry, and ready to fight for every ball.
He is likely to understudy more experienced midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka during the March qualifiers, but his time will surely come.
When it does, expect Dennis to seize his chance with both hands – just as he did at Goztepe.
The youngest player in Chelle’s first squad could well be the first building block in a new era for the Super Eagles.