Super Eagles: Chelle makes surprise squad decision for AFCON and Russia friendly

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is expected to announce two squads this week for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as an international friendly against Russia, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Nigeria kick off their AFCON qualifiers later this month. They were drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and co-hosts Tanzania.

​They will be looking to start the campaign on a strong note due to the peculiar nature of the group, which allows only the top team to qualify because co-hosts Tanzania — who qualify automatically — are also in the group.

​After wrapping up the first two qualifiers, the Super Eagles will take on Russia in a friendly. The upcoming international window spans four weeks, and the Russia fixture was arranged to make the most of that extended break.

​With club football taking a back seat next weekend and the national team camp set to open, Chelle is scheduled to announce his squad for the fixtures soon. In recent days, names like Arthur Okonkwo and George Ilenikhena have reportedly been included on the roster.

​Fresh details regarding the squad selection have now emerged.

​Super Eagles: What Is Interesting About Chelle's Squad Announcement?

​According to journalist Clint Ayooye, Chelle's squad list will be unveiled in the coming week with a few intriguing tweaks.

🚨 Éric Sékou Chelle is set to announce two different Super Eagles squads this week.

The first squad, for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, is expected to feature the regular Super Eagles, with a new face reportedly set to earn a call-up.

The second squad, for the friendly against… pic.twitter.com/tvZ6SglOZg

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​The Franco-Malian tactician will name two separate squads. The primary squad will feature regular starters, barring injured players like Zaidu Sanusi and Victor Osimhen. This group will handle the two qualifying matches.

​The second squad will consist of fringe options and will be composed mainly of Under-23 players. This group will execute the friendly against Russia.

Given that Chelle also coaches the Olympic team, the fixture provides an ideal platform to assess his options ahead of the upcoming Under-23 qualifiers. As a result, a solid contingent of home-based players is expected to feature.

​A few players could cross over and appear in both squads due to their age profile. Securing positive results from these fixtures will be vital for Nigeria, providing momentum and confidence for future matches.