Super Eagles squad announcement: Aina, Ndidi, Dessers called up; Osimhen, Iwobi, Lookman omitted

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming Unity Cup and a trimmed 21-player list for the international friendly against Russia, notably excluding Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi. 

Veteran Kano Pillars forward Ahmed Musa has been recalled to the national team setup.

The Unity Cup, organized to foster African football unity, will see Nigeria face arch-rivals Ghana in the opening fixture on Wednesday, May 28. 

The three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions will then play Russia in a high-profile friendly on June 6.

Chelle’s Unity Cup squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent. Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Okoye Stores, and Amas Obasogie are expected to battle for the number one shirt. 

The defense line includes Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and Felix Agu who is available for training, with Igho Obu and Waliu Ojetoye also making the cut.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka offer stability, while Christantus Uche and Papa Mustapha bring energy.

Collins Ugwueze and Saviour Isaac complete the midfield roster. Up front, Musa joins Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, and Cyriel Dessers in attack.

For the clash against Russia, Chelle has opted for a leaner squad. 

Goalkeeper Obasogie Amas retains his spot, while defensive stalwarts William Troost-Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are included. Onyemaechi and Ajayi also remain in the squad.

The midfield against Russia will feature Ndidi, Onyeka, Uche, and Mustapha, alongside Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Yevenda. 

The attacking line is bolstered by the inclusion of Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, and Sadiq Umar, alongside Chukwueze, Simon, and Tella.

The omissions of the in-form Galatasaray striker Osimhen and Fulham midfielder Iwobi have raised eyebrows, though no official explanation has been given. 

Meanwhile, Musa’s recall marks a potential swan song for the 2013 AFCON winner, whose leadership may prove valuable in these high-profile encounters.

Super Eagles Unity Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Junior Nduka, Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Felix Agu (training only)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Collins Ugwueze, Saviour Isaac

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Sikiru Alimi, Ahmed Musa, Abubakar Adamu

Friendly v Russia

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche, Papa Mustapha, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Sadiq Umar

Wale Adejumo

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