Chelle Drops Five As Super Eagles Prepare For Iran And Jordan Friendlies

Chelle Drops Five As Super Eagles Prepare For Iran And Jordan Friendlies

By BSN Sports 

The Nigeria national football team will face Iran and Jordan in an upcoming friendly tournament, with head coach Eric Chelle opting to leave out five members of the squad that featured at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The tournament in Jordan will mark Nigeria’s first assignment since securing a third-place finish at the continental showpiece in January. Although the team’s participation remains subject to a pending ruling by FIFA over Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo—accused of fielding ineligible players during November’s World Cup qualifiers—Chelle has pressed ahead with preparations.

Among the notable absentees is first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been inactive since parting ways with Chippa United. Central defender Semi Ajayi is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during AFCON.

Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who completed a move to Olympique de Marseille in the January transfer window but has yet to feature for the French side, has not been included. Defender Ebenezer Akinsamiro, currently on loan at Pisa SC from Inter Milan, also misses out after losing his place at club level.

Midfielder Usman Mohammed, who struggled to make an impact during the AFCON tournament, completes the list of omissions for the upcoming friendlies.

The matches are expected to provide Chelle with an opportunity to assess alternative options and refine his squad as Nigeria look to build momentum ahead of future competitive fixtures.