Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has expanded Nigeria’s squad with 13 new players ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and international friendly against Russia.
According to report gathered, Chelle handed first senior invitations to the new faces drawn from clubs in Europe and the Middle East as he continues to widen his options.
The Franco-Malian tactician is working with separate squads for the AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and the friendly against Russia to assess emerging talents.
Among the debutants is 22-year-old defender Isaac James of Portuguese side Alverca. The versatile left-back who can also operate as wing-back and left centre-back began his career with Garden City Panthers before moving through France to Portugal.
Also invited is 19-year-old centre-back Victory Akpe who has enjoyed a rapid rise. The 1.95m defender moved from Lithuania to Hungary before joining Swiss giants FC Basel in 2026, where his physical presence has stood out.
In goal, 20-year-old Samuel James of Finnish club SJK gets his first call. The former Mavlon FC and Flying Eagles shot-stopper has established himself in Finland.
20-year-old midfielder Chibuzo Nwoko, a product of Chelsea and Fulham academies, also makes the list. The left-footed central midfielder who represented England at U-18 level has switched allegiance to Nigeria and recently made his senior club debut.
Stephen Fumelu, 19, of Danish club Vendsyssel FF, is another midfield addition. Also known as Stephen Michael, he is regarded as an energetic box-to-box midfielder.
21-year-old Igor Wilfred, who plays as central and defensive midfielder for Norwegian side Kristiansund, has become a regular in the Eliteserien and earns his first invite.
Abdulrasaq Popoola, 19, of Al-Wasl is also called up. The 1.91m midfielder also known as Ridwan Popoola started from grassroots football in Nigeria before stints in Hungary with Kisvarda.
Attacking midfielder Mubarak Suleiman, 19, of Slavia Prague completes the midfield list. A product of Right2Win Academy, Abuja, he impressed in the UEFA Youth League, scored on his senior debut and recently extended his contract till 2031.
In attack, 24-year-old LASK winger Moses Usor is one of the more experienced debutants. The left-footed right winger played a key role in LASK’s league and cup double and is included in the AFCON qualifiers squad.
Lagos-born striker George Ilenikhena, 20, who developed at Amiens, Royal Antwerp and Monaco where he scored in the Champions League, has also been invited. He joined Saudi club Al-Ittihad in 2026 and has committed his future to Nigeria despite being eligible for France.
19-year-old Benfica forward Peter Edokpolor is another attacking option. The tall centre-forward who can play from the wing joined from Galadima FC and has progressed through Benfica’s U-23 and B teams.
20-year-old Umar Abubakar of Portuguese club Famalicao also gets a nod. The 1.90m former Golden Eaglets striker scored 21 goals on loan at Jong Gent before his move to Famalicao.
The list is completed by 19-year-old Hradec Kralove striker Umar Abdullahi, also known as Abdullahi Umar, who scored 25 goals in a season at U-19 level in the Czech Republic before breaking into senior football.
Chelle’s decision to blend established stars with 13 new invitees will give the youngsters a chance to stake a claim in the Super Eagles set-up as Nigeria builds towards AFCON 2027.
