Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle released his inaugural squad selection ahead of Nigeria’s all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in a fortnight, Footynaija.com reports.
Chelle’s 39-man provisional squad list included a host of familiar faces with the likes of William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Ahmed Musa, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze among others all making the cut.
However, new faces like Anthony Dennis, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Christantus Uche also received call-ups with the Super Eagles boss looking to inject fresh blood into the core of the Nigeria national team setup.
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In this article, Footynaija.com takes a look at these first timers. Who are they? Which clubs do they play for? What positions do they play? How have they fared this season?
Anthony Dennis
Dennis started his football journey in Nigeria as a product of the HB Academy in Abuja. He then joined the youth setup of then Turkish Lig 1 club Goztepe in January 2023 and became a part of their U19 team.
The 20-year-old midfielder made his professional debut for Goztepe a year later, becoming a first-team regular as the Turkish club went on to win promotion to the Super Lig ahead of the 2024/2025 season.
So far this season, Dennis has continued to impress in Turkey, starting in all 20 of his Super Lig appearances with two assists to show for his efforts. His performances have deservedly gained the attention of Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle and he may well get to earn his first cap later this month.
Akor Adams
Adams began his professional career in Norway with Sogndal in 2018, joining from Jamba Football Academy in Nigeria. After leaving Sogndal upon the expiration of his contract, he went on to enjoy admirable stints at Lillestrom and Montpellier, scoring 35 goals across 95 outings for both clubs.
The 25-year-old forward recently earned himself a big move to La Liga club Sevilla but his impact in Seville has been limited by a thigh injury. With his return date set for mid-March, Adams faces a race against time to regain full fitness and be available for Chelle’s final selection.
Tolu Arokodare
Arokodare developed his footballing skills at Kash Academy, Flying Sports Academy, and Box2Box FC in Nigeria before joining Latvian club Valmiera in June 2019.
He had loan spells at 1. FC Köln (2020–2021) and Amiens (2021–2023). In January 2023, the 24-year-old signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Belgian Pro League side Genk, going on to score on his debut in a 3–2 win against Gent.
In Belgium, Arokodare has evolved into a very prolific goal-scorer with his 21-goal involvements the highest by any player in the Belgian topflight. As Chelle ponders his final selection, Arokodare’s name will surely be one that comes into serious contention.
Christantus Uche
Uche played amateur football in his hometown before joining Spanish club Moralo CP in 2022. Initially assigned to the reserves, he soon earned a spot in the first team, debuting in January 2023. In July 2023, he signed with Primera Division RFEF side AD Ceuta FC, where he quickly became a key player.
By 2024, the 21-year-old midfielder attracted interest from Real Betis before securing a move to Getafe, signing a four-year contract. He has since been a crucial player for the La Liga side and his performances have earned him a first inclusion in the Super Eagles squad.
