Super Eagles Coach Drops Osimhen, Okoye From Squad

Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has left out Victor Osimhen and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Tanzania.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the squad on Saturday, with Francis Uzoho returning as Okoye’s replacement.

Chelle has also invited midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi for the first time. In addition, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Yusuf Alhassan, Samson Tijani and Suleiman Mubarak have returned to the squad. Captain Wilfred Ndidi retains his place. However, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka are among the midfielders dropped from the latest selection.

In attack, the coach has kept several players from the previous international window. They include Ademola Lookman and Tolu Arokodare. Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Moses Usor and Taiwo Awoniyi have also made the squad.

Nigeria will host Tanzania in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return match on November 17.

The Super Eagles are currently three points behind Guinea-Bissau in Group L. Only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the tournament.

The full 24-man squad is: 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), 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), Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry FC).