Eric Chelle plans to give fringe Super Eagles players a chance to impress against Russia after Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
According to journalist Clint Ayooye, Chelle will name two squads for the international window. His regular players will handle the qualifiers, while another group will face Russia.
The coach will leave injured players including Zaidu Sanusi and Victor Osimhen out of the main group, creating places for other options.
Ayooye reported that the second squad will contain mainly Under-23 players, with Chelle also using the fixture to assess players for Nigeria’s Olympic team.
The selection could also bring more home-based players into the senior setup. Several players from the domestic league are expected to feature against Russia.
George Ilenikhena has been linked with the squad, while reports have also mentioned goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Ilenikhena would gain another chance to impress at senior level, while Okonkwo could use the fixture to compete for greater involvement under Chelle.
Some players could feature in both groups because of their age, according to Ayooye. That could allow Chelle to assess them in different roles during the window.
Nigeria will first face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in Group L. Tanzania have automatic qualification as co-hosts, leaving the Super Eagles to fight for the group’s available qualifying place.
Chelle will then take the second group into the Russia friendly, where the selected players can strengthen their claims for future Super Eagles selection.
