Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle unveiled his 26-man Unity Cup squad to face Ghana on Wednesday — followed by a trimmed 21-player list for Nigeria’s friendly against Russia.
The roster had some notable absentees including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi.
But beneath the surface of those omissions lies a deeper narrative — one about second chances, redemption, and perhaps, a subtle recalibration of Nigeria’s Super Eagles under a coach seeking to build both depth and durability.
Eric Chelle's latest squad announcement reveals a blend of trusted experience, reborn potential, and overlooked talent finally getting their due.
Here are ten names — familiar, forgotten, and finally favoured — who missed out in March but are back in the green and white for June’s engagements.
Maduka Okoye
Maduka Okoye’s journey back into the national fold has been anything but straightforward.
A shoulder injury ruled him out of Chelle’s debut squad in March, but his response was emphatic: reclaiming the No. 1 shirt at Udinese and producing a string of composed, high-level performances in Serie A.
With his reflexes sharper and confidence restored, Okoye's inclusion for both the Unity Cup and Russia friendly feels less like a recall and more like a rightful reinstatement.
Semi Ajayi
Ajayi was a notable absentee in March due to injury, but since returning to fitness, the towering defender has struggled to find regular minutes at West Brom.
Yet when in form, Ajayi brings aerial dominance, tactical versatility, and leadership — all traits Chelle could use in defence.
Whether he can shake off rust in time for Ghana remains to be seen, but his experience is a valuable asset.
Sodiq Ismaila
Sodiq Ismaila is one of a couple of home-based players to make their Super Eagles debut in recent times.
The Remo Stars fullback was pivotal in helping his side win their first-ever Nigeria Premier League title — a rare feat from a privately-owned club.
With both Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel missing from the Unity Cup squad, Ismaila will likely be handed serious minutes. He’s young, quick, defensively solid, and offensively daring. Chelle has every reason to test his mettle at this level.
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Frank Onyeka
Frank Onyeka's omission in March puzzled many — especially as the Brentford man was showing flashes of brilliance while on loan at Augsburg.
Although he remains an inconsistent performer, his ability to break up play and run tirelessly gives Nigeria a unique midfield option.
Chelle’s inclusion of him in both squads shows a shift toward physical midfield dynamism — a possible piece of a long-term puzzle.
Nathan Tella
Two prior withdrawals — one under Eguavoen, one under Chelle — raised eyebrows about Nathan Tella’s commitment. But this time, he’s in.
The Bayer Leverkusen man, a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal winner, is entering his prime. With his directness, ball-carrying and pressing ability, Tella offers a profile missing from the wings since Samuel Chukwueze’s form dipped. His return is a gamble Chelle must hope pays off.
Cyriel Dessers
It’s baffling how a player who’s topped scoring charts in the Eredivisie, Europa Conference League, and now the Scottish Premiership is still stuck on six Nigeria caps.
But perhaps that drought ends now.
Dessers has matured — physically imposing, technically neat, and deadly in the box. With Osimhen rested and Taiwo Awoniyi absent, Chelle has little reason not to give Dessers a proper audition.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Unwanted at Leicester, ignored at Sevilla, underused at Middlesbrough — the past 18 months haven’t been kind to Kelechi Iheanacho.
Yet Chelle’s call-up hints at something deeper: trust in pedigree over form. Iheanacho has long been a clutch performer for Nigeria, and while his club career flounders, his ability to link midfield and attack remains. This might be his last chance to prove he's not yesterday’s man.
Ahmed Musa
Ahmed Musa is a player who splits opinion.
But one thing is certain — the man is a Super Eagles legend. Nigeria’s most capped player and a World Cup hero, Musa has embraced a mentor role. His call-up is likely symbolic, a nod to leadership and legacy, more than tactical utility.
Still, against Ghana or Jamaica, expect him to bring every ounce of his experience.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Injury denied Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru a March call-up, but Chelle has not forgotten.
With Nigeria’s midfield often crying out for box-to-box energy and goal-scoring threat, Dele-Bashiru could offer a rare dual threat from the centre.
If he’s fit, confident and focused, he could force his way into Nigeria’s long-term plans.
All in all, Eric Chelle has shown that he isn’t afraid to rip up the script. By opting to rest key starters and hand second chances to several talented, if inconsistent, returnees, the Malian tactician is asking tough questions of Nigeria’s depth chart.
Not all of them will make it to the 2025 AFCON or the crunch World Cup qualifiers, but these matches — against Ghana, possibly Jamaica, and Russia — will give Chelle the data and performances he needs.
What is certain, though, is that these returning names are no strangers to the weight of the green and white. Whether they thrive again or fade away will depend not just on talent, but on desire, focus, and form. Chelle has opened the door — now it’s up to them to walk through it.
Super Eagles squad for Unity Cup
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Junior Nduka, Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Felix Agu (training only)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Collins Ugwueze, Saviour Isaac
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Sikiru Alimi, Ahmed Musa, Abubakar Adamu
Super Eagles squad for Russia friendly
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Sadiq Umar
