Ogbu, Dennis, Mustapha, Onyebuchi, others: Who are the Super Eagles first-timers?

The Nigeria Football Federation announced a provisional list of 39 players ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month, Soccernet.ng reports.

In recent months, some new Nigerian stars have been doing well across the different leagues in Europe, and coach Eric Chelle decided to name those players in his list.

Meanwhile, some old heads like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen and many others. Some of the new players in the provisional squad are Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Anthony Dennis, Christantus Uche, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Igoh Ogbu, and Kayode Bankole.

Soccernet.ng looks at some of the new players that Eric Chelle invited to the squad.

1. Akor Adams

Adams has been knocking on the Super Eagles door for the past two years since his transfer to French Ligue 1 club Montpellier. But his performances have not been enough to warrant a shirt in the Super Eagles. The 25-year-old striker recently completed a move to Sevilla, but he is yet to make an impact due to an injury. Adams is quick and packs a shot, albeit his precision might be questioned. He also has brilliant positioning.

2. Tolu Arokodare

Arokodare is another striker who is only just getting his breakthrough due to the high quality of strikers that Nigeria has. The Genk star is big, strong and good with the ball on his feet. Of course, he is also great in the air. Arokodare could provide a new dynamic for Chelle due to his size. However, with the more experienced Onuachu in the squad, it might be an uphill task for him.

3. Anthony Dennis

Defensive midfielder Anthony Dennis has caught the eye with his impressive performances for Goztepe since his transfer two years ago. The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive rise as he has quickly grown from playing for the youth side to being a regular in the first team.

Dennis has an impressive passing range and is very combative. He has registered three assists in 20 appearances for Goztepe this season.

4. Christantus Uche

Christantus Uche has had a fairytale season. The 21-year-old midfielder joined Getafe from the Primera Federacion II club Ceuta last year, and he has quickly adapted to the top flight.

With three goals and two assists in the Spanish La Liga, Uche is one of the best players in Getafe. He is very strong, has great ball sense, and is not afraid to shoot. He is a great box-to-box player and could affect the game significantly. A player like Uche would add something different to the Super Eagles squad, for sure.

5.Papa Daniel Mustapha

The revelation of this Super Eagles team is Papa Daniel of Niger Tornadoes

A versatile player with a sweet left foot who was impressive over two legs.

If he isn’t leaving Nigeria soon, I have told him the NPFL club he needs to join next season

What a play. My boy pic.twitter.com/8cBnCN3AAP

— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) December 28, 2024

Daniel Mustapha is another new midfielder on the block. The Niger Tornadoes star is one of the standout performers in the NPFL this season. He has similar qualities to Uche as he is a box-to-box player and has great physicality, as is normal with players on the home scene. Mustapha also has a sweet left foot that can be used to devastating effect when he has the opportunity.

6. Ifeanyi Onyebuchi

Onyebuchi is one of the home-based stars who have made it to Chelle's provisional squad. The 24-year-old Enugu Rangers center-back has two goals to his name this season, which shows that he is not afraid to venture forward. He is also very strong, but technicality might be the issue.

7. Igoh Ogbu

Ogbu is one of the fast-rising Nigerian defenders, as he has been consistent for Slavia Prague since his transfer two years ago. He has been a defensive stalwart, and his brilliance his clear as his value has skyrocketed from €2.5 million two years ago to €8 million.

The 25-year-old is great in the air; he's quick and can bully attackers. With Semi Ajayi out of action, Ogbu could fancy his chances of getting his first cap.

8. Kayode Bankole

Bankole has finally gotten his big opportunity after several snubs last year. However, his addition right now is a surprise as he has played just seven games in the Nigeria Premier Football League.  Last season, the 22-year-old Remo Stars' shot-stopper was one of the best in Nigeria, but he has been displaced by  Adebiyi Marcel Serge Obassa this season. Nonetheless, he will hope to break into the Super Eagles squad.