Head coach of Nigeria’s senior national team, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 23-man squad for the Super Eagles’ participation in a four-nation invitational tournament scheduled for the March FIFA international window in Turkey, with the notable absence of star striker Victor Osimhen dominating discussions.
The competition will feature the Nigeria national football team alongside the Iran national football team, Jordan national football team and Costa Rica national football team.
Organisers confirmed the tournament was initially planned for Jordan but was moved to Turkey following heightened security concerns in parts of the Middle East.
Although Nigeria will not participate in the next FIFA World Cup, the tournament is being positioned as a crucial phase in Chelle’s rebuilding process after the team’s third-place finish at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria will open their campaign against Iran on March 27, while Jordan faces Costa Rica in the other fixture.
The final round of matches is slated for March 31, with Nigeria set to take on Jordan as Iran battles Costa Rica.
Chelle’s squad announcement also signals a clear intent to refresh the team, with the recall of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and first-time invitations extended to forward Philip Otele, winger Yira Sor and defender Emmanuel Fernandez.
The rest of the squad includes regulars such as Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, who are expected to shoulder attacking responsibilities in Osimhen’s absence.
The invitational tournament is expected to offer Chelle the opportunity to test new tactical options, integrate emerging talents and build team cohesion ahead of future competitive fixtures.
