Super Eagles Get 13 New Faces as Chelle Opens Door for Rising Nigerian Stars
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has handed first senior invitations to 13 players, giving a new generation of Nigerian footballers the opportunity to stake their claim for places in the national team.
The fresh call-ups cut across goalkeeping, defence, midfield and attack, with most of the players currently based at clubs in Europe and the Middle East.
The move reflects Chelle’s continued effort to broaden his options as Nigeria prepares for a busy period of international football, including upcoming friendly and competitive fixtures.
Global Mirror News reports that some of the newly invited players have been included in the squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, while others are expected to be involved in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
For several of the youngsters, the invitation represents an important moment in their football careers, offering them the chance to train alongside some of Nigeria’s established international stars and demonstrate that they are ready for the demands of senior international football.
13 players receiving first senior invitations
Samuel James – The 20-year-old goalkeeper currently plays for Finnish club SJK, where he has continued his development between the posts.
Chibuzo Nwoko – The 20-year-old central midfielder plays for Fulham in England. He previously spent time within the youth system of Chelsea.
Isaac James – The 22-year-old versatile defender is based in Portugal with Alverca, where his ability to operate in different defensive positions could provide additional options for the national team.
Victory Akpe – At just 19, the centre-back currently plays for Swiss club Basel.
Stephen Michael – Michael is another of the emerging defensive options invited by Chelle and currently plays for Danish club Vendsyssel FF.
Igor Wilfred – The 21-year-old midfielder plays for Norwegian club Kristiansund and has now been given an opportunity to impress at senior international level.
Abdulrasaq Popoola – The 19-year-old midfielder currently plays for Al-Wasl in the United Arab Emirates.
Moses Usor – The 24-year-old winger plays for Austrian club LASK, bringing additional attacking options to Chelle’s squad.
Mubarak Suleiman – The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is on the books of Czech club Slavia Prague.
Umar Abubakar – The 20-year-old forward plays for Portuguese side Famalicão and has earned his first senior invitation with the Super Eagles.
George Ilenikhena – The forward currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad and is among the attacking talents being assessed by Chelle.
Peter Edokpolor – The 19-year-old forward plays for Portuguese giants Benfica.
Umar Abdullahi – The 19-year-old striker currently represents Czech club Hradec Králové.
New generation joins established stars
The arrival of the 13 new invitees gives Chelle a wider pool of players to assess as Nigeria continues preparations for its upcoming international commitments.
They will have the opportunity to work alongside established Super Eagles players including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon.
For the young players, the invitation is more than simply another football opportunity. It places them within the national-team environment and gives them a chance to learn from experienced internationals while competing for future places in the Super Eagles.
Chelle’s decision to look beyond the established names also provides Nigeria with an opportunity to identify players who could become important members of the national team in the coming years.
The new invitees will now be hoping to make the most of their opportunity, knowing that a strong showing in camp could strengthen their chances of earning further international recognition.
With Nigeria facing important fixtures ahead, attention will now turn to how Chelle blends the emerging talents with the experienced core of the Super Eagles.
