SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made some notable changes to Nigeria’s squad ahead of the upcoming 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixtures against Tanzania, leaving out star striker Victor Osimhen and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye while recalling Francis Uzoho.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the 24-man squad on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with several familiar faces returning and a new player earning his first invitation to the senior national team.
One of the biggest talking points from the selection is the absence of Osimhen, who has been an important figure in Nigeria’s attack. Okoye has also been excluded, paving the way for Uzoho to return to the national team setup. The recall gives the coaching crew another experienced option between the posts as Nigeria prepares for two crucial encounters.
Chelle has also rewarded midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi with his first Super Eagles call-up. Other players returning to the squad include Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Yusuf Alhassan, Samson Tijani, and Suleiman Mubarak.
Meanwhile, captain Wilfred Ndidi has retained his place, alongside Alex Iwobi, as the coach looks to maintain stability in midfield. However, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka are notable absentees from the latest selection.’
In attack, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Moses Usor, and Taiwo Awoniyi have all been included. Their selection suggests that Chelle intends to maintain several attacking options despite Osimhen’s absence.
Nigeria will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return encounter on November 17.
Both matches are important for the Super Eagles, who currently sit three points behind Guinea-Bissau in Group L. With only the group winners guaranteed qualification for the tournament, Nigeria cannot afford unnecessary setbacks.
Chelle will therefore be hoping that his squad changes deliver the desired results, particularly with the pressure mounting on the team to secure qualification.
Full List of Super Eagles Players Invited
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic).
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham), and Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Yusuf Alhassan (New England Revolution), Tochukwu Nnadi (Marseille), Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Suleiman Mubarak (Slavia Prague).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Akor Adams (Venezia FC), Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC), Moses Usor (LASK), and Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry FC).
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
