Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle made a big splash on Monday when he released the squad list for Nigeria's games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe this March, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Malian tactician, appointed in January, cast a wide net with a 39-man provisional list ahead of Nigeria‘s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
It was a squad that ticked several boxes — combining the experience of established stars with the promise of fresh faces. The inclusion of Nigerian league players and the recall of long-forgotten names signalled a new era of meritocracy and open-door policy.
Yet, for all its inclusiveness, Chelle's list was not without controversy. The absence of three notable names — Taiwo Awoniyi, Ibrahim Olawoyin, and Chuba Akpom — left many questioning whether the former Lens defender had missed a trick in his maiden squad.
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Taiwo Awoniyi: Eric Chelle's curious omission
Few omissions from Chelle's list have sparked as much debate as Taiwo Awoniyi's.
The Nottingham Forest striker may not have enjoyed his most prolific campaign this season, with just one Premier League goal to his name, but his work ethic and physical presence remain invaluable.
Awoniyi has been a reliable performer for Nigeria in recent years, scoring crucial goals at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His exclusion becomes even more puzzling considering Chelle's decision to include out-of-form and injury-hit forwards like Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams, who have barely featured for their clubs in 2025.
Taiwo Awoniyi celebrated his first Premier League goal of the season by covering his face with shinpads.
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) January 7, 2025
They were inscribed with the Bible verse James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” ⚽ pic.twitter.com/Xx0kDDU2zQ
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If fitness or form were the criteria, Awoniyi's consistent availability should have earned him a place ahead of these two. His aerial threat and ability to hold up play could have offered Nigeria an alternative dimension in attack — a facet Eric Chelle may rue missing out on.
Ibrahim Olawoyin: Eric Chelle's forgotten creator
Ibrahim Olawoyin's absence is another decision that raises eyebrows, especially given Nigeria's struggles to create chances from midfield in recent matches.
The Rizespor playmaker has been one of Nigeria's most productive midfielders in Europe this season, registering three goals and seven assists in the Turkish Super Lig.
With Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru battling injuries and Alex Iwobi overworked at Fulham, Olawoyin's exclusion is hard to justify — particularly when the squad is already overloaded with defensive midfielders.
Alhamdulilah for the goal and our first consecutive win (SuperLig) in three months. Come on Rize! pic.twitter.com/eueO1wYF5D
— Ibrahim Olawoyin (@brymzy10) March 2, 2025
Olawoyin offers something different — a direct dribbler with an eye for goal and the vision to unlock defences. His versatility and capacity to play on the flanks or in central midfield, would have added tactical flexibility to Chelle's options.
Chuba Akpom: Nigeria's unlucky outsider
If any player has reason to feel aggrieved, it is Chuba Akpom.
The Lille forward has been patiently waiting for his Super Eagles debut since switching allegiance from England in 2020. Akpom's impressive goal tally across spells in England, Greece, the Netherlands, and now France speaks volumes of his quality.
With 10 goals in over 30 games this season across Ligue 1, the Eredivisie and the Europa League, the 28-year-old has proved his worth at the highest level.
Special day for Chuba Akpom ⚽️
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 8, 2025
✅ Ligue 1 debut
✅ First L1 goal pic.twitter.com/iO50KI4MJw
Yet Eric Chelle has chosen to stick with familiar faces like Iheanacho while extending surprise invitations to lesser-known forwards like Akor Adams.
Akpom's ability to operate across the front line could have provided Nigeria with a tactical wildcard — something the Super Eagles have often lacked.
Soccernet.ng's Verdict: A step forward, but room for improvement
Eric Chelle's first squad signals the dawn of a fresh chapter for Nigeria's Super Eagles.
The Malian coach's willingness to give new faces a chance while blending experience is commendable.
However, the omission of Awoniyi, Olawoyin, and Akpom suggests there is still work to be done in striking the right balance.
While it is impossible to please everyone with a squad list, Chelle's decisions raise questions about how meritocratic his selection process truly is. The hope for many Nigerian fans is that these snubs are temporary rather than a sign of what is to come under the new regime.
The Super Eagles' journey under Eric Chelle has begun — but the true measure of his reign will be how quickly he recognises and corrects such early missteps.
