Eric Chelle has opened the door to three new faces in the Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Footynaija reports.
George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor have received their first senior invitations, while Isaac James also earns his maiden call-up after a strong start to the season with Portuguese club Alverca.
Nigeria face Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to tackle Guinea-Bissau four days later. The three newcomers arrive with different profiles, but all have given Chelle reasons to take a closer look.
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📋 Eric Chelle names squads for September and October 2026 Fixtures. pic.twitter.com/W3zThCDUfE
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 17, 2026
Isaac James
James, 22, plays for Alverca in Portugal and has been one of the club’s regular starters this season.
The left-footed defender has started all six of Alverca’s league matches, playing 514 minutes and providing two assists. He played the full 90 minutes against Porto on the opening weekend and supplied assists against Estrela da Amadora and Santa Clara.
His versatility helped his case. James can play at left-back, left wing-back and in a more advanced left-sided role.
His invitation also comes after Zaidu Sanusi’s injury left Chelle needing another option on the left side of defence.
George Ilenikhena
Ilenikhena, 20, has forced his way into the squad with his start at Al-Ittihad.
The Lagos-born, France-raised forward has scored four goals and provided two assists in six appearances this season, giving him six goal involvements in 325 minutes.
His most productive night came in September. He scored twice against Al-Nassr before adding another goal against Al-Fayha.
Chelle has therefore chosen a young striker whose club form has quickly pushed him into the Super Eagles picture. His invitation also gives Nigeria another option alongside Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams.
Moses Usor
Usor, 24, has been productive for LASK in Austria and has already gained European experience.
The forward has scored two goals and provided three assists in six Austrian Bundesliga appearances this season. He also scored and assisted in LASK’s dramatic 5-1 Champions League play-off win over Celtic on August 25, helping the club overturn a 3-0 first-leg defeat.
Usor has contributed three goals and five assists across all competitions this season.
His call-up came after Femi Azeez was ruled out through injury, but Usor’s own form gives the invitation substance.
All three now have their first chance to train with Nigeria’s senior team.
The September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will give Chelle a closer look at players who have impressed at club level and are now trying to establish themselves in the Super Eagles.
