Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s squad announcement for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe on March 19 and 22 respectively, has sparked plenty of debate among lovers of the game, Footynaija.com reports.
Chelle’s first-ever squad selection is made up of in-form stars, surprising call-ups and notable omissions as the Super Eagles boss looks to guide his charges past their group C rivals in a couple of weeks.
In this article, Footynaija.com analyzes some of the biggest winners and losers from the most recent national team squad announcement.
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Biggest Losers
5. Kenneth Omeruo
Omeruo made his debut for the Nigeria men’s national team back in 2013, going on to play a key role as Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations that year. He became a crucial member of the Super Eagles setup, becoming the team captain and making 57 appearances in just over a decade. However, the 31-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Kasimpasa in January, hence his omission from Chelle’s plans.
4. Francis Uzoho
Having initially lost his place in the Super Eagles starting XI to Stanley Nwabali, Uzoho, at the moment seems to have lost his place in the national team squad altogether. The 26-year-old shot stopper has been starved for game time in Cyprus this season, playing a total of just 180 minutes for Omonoia Nicosia this term. Uzoho’s club and international career is in urgent need of a revival.
3. Chuba Akpom
One of the many Nigeria-eligible players who recently voiced their desire to represent the Super Eagles, Akpom would have been disappointed to miss out on a spot in Chelle’s latest announcement. The former Middlesbrough forward has enjoyed fine form in recent times, but it appears he hasn’t done enough to turn the head of Nigeria’s head coach.
2. Josh Maja
West Bromwich Albion’s Maja, who made his national team debut back in 2019, looked set to fire his way back into the Super Eagles setup courtesy of his fine form for the baggies this season. However, the 26-year-old suffered a calf injury in January, effectively ruling him out of contention for any football game until mid-April.
1. Leon Balogun
The experienced 36-year-old recently debunked rumours of his retirement from international football, emphasizing his availability for national team duties. However, with Super Eagles boss Chelle going the way of youth and agility for his defensive core, the curtain seems to be coming down on Balogun’s time with the Nigeria national team.
Biggest Winners
5. Kayode Bankole
Bankole has enjoyed a wonderful campaign in the Nigeria Professional Football League with Remo Stars, who currently hold a 11-point gap atop the standings and are primed to win the league. His inclusion in Chelle’s squad is a recognition of his efforts in the domestic league and many NPFL stars will now be looking to follow in footsteps.
4. Gabriel Osho
The Nigeria national team called up Osho for the first time in March 2024, but an injury prevented him from making his debut. He finally earned his first Super Eagles appearance in November 2024 and now looks set for more national team caps, especially with his impressive performances for Auxerre in Ligue 1 this season.
3. Igoh Ogbu
Ogbu’s performances in the Czech first division this season have been nothing short of incredible. The Slavia Prague defender began his professional career at Gombe United before moving to Europe, where he played for Rosenborg, Levanger and Sogndal in Norway. Ogbu, whose last appearance for Nigeria came at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup will now be looking to finally make his senior debut for the Super Eagles later this month.
2. Tolu Arokodare
The Festac Town born hitman has fired his way into Chelle’s thinking ahead of the upcoming qualifiers. After enduring some difficult spells during the early stages of his career, Arokodare has finally found his feet in Belgium where he has morphed into a highly prolific goalscorer for Genk. The 24-year-old is currently one of Nigeria’s most in-form strikers and he stands a real quality chance of making Chelle’s final selection.
1. Ahmed Musa
Despite returning to Nigeria’s domestic league where he now turns out for Kano Pillars, the veteran winger earned a re-call to the national team setup. While Musa may not be able to add to his 73 international caps, his influence in the dressing room will be a big boost for the Super Eagles. Chelle’s dependence on his leadership abilities will also be a huge source of pride for the 31-year-old.
