Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has widened his options ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures, handing first senior invitations to 13 players as he continues to build a bigger pool of talent.
The new invitees come from different positions and football backgrounds, with most currently playing in Europe or the Middle East. They include young defenders, midfielders, forwards and a goalkeeper.
Chelle has also separated his squads for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and the October friendly against Russia. Only three of the 13 newcomers Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena are included in the AFCON qualifying squad, while the Russia fixture provides a wider opportunity to assess the emerging players.
The 22-year-old Alverca defender is one of the more experienced players among the newcomers.
Primarily a left-back, James can also operate as a wing-back or left-sided centre-back, giving Chelle another option in defence.
He began his development with Garden City Panthers before moving to France and eventually Portugal, where his performances for Alverca earned him his first Super Eagles invitation.
James has revealed that the call-up was an emotional moment, saying he cried after receiving the news because playing for Nigeria had been a long-standing dream.
At 19, Victory Akpe is one of the youngest defenders entering the Super Eagles set-up.
The approximately 1.95m centre-back has moved through European football, progressing from Lithuania to Hungary before joining Swiss club Basel in 2026.
His physical presence and ability to play from the back have helped him attract attention, and Chelle has now handed him his first senior invitation.
SJK goalkeeper Samuel James is another young player receiving his first senior call-up.
The 20-year-old came through Mavlon FC and represented Nigeria at youth level with the Flying Eagles before establishing himself in Finnish football.
His invitation gives him the chance to compete with Nigeria’s established goalkeeping options while gaining experience around the senior national team.
Chibuzo Nwoko has an interesting international background, the 20-year-old midfielder came through Chelsea and Fulham’s youth systems and has represented England at Under-18 level.
The left-footed central midfielder has now chosen Nigeria and is in line for his first senior appearance for the Super Eagles.
His inclusion gives Chelle another technically gifted option in midfield.
Stephen Fumelu, also known as Stephen Michael, is a 19-year-old central midfielder playing for Danish club Vendsyssel FF.
He joined the club in 2025 and has developed as an energetic box-to-box midfielder.
His first Super Eagles invitation gives Chelle the opportunity to assess another young midfield option outside the established group.
Norwegian-based midfielder Igor Wilfred has also entered the Super Eagles picture.
The 21-year-old can play as a central or defensive midfielder and has become a regular starter for Kristiansund in the Norwegian Eliteserien.
His regular senior football in Europe has now earned him an opportunity at international level.
Abdulrasaq Popoola, also known as Ridwan Popoola, offers another physical option in midfield.
The 19-year-old defensive midfielder stands at around 1.91m and moved from Nigerian grassroots football to Hungary before joining Al-Wasl in the UAE in 2026.
He has since established himself as a regular starter and will now have the chance to show what he can offer the Super Eagles.
Mubarak Suleiman is one of the youngest players on Chelle’s list.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder came through Abuja-based Right2Win Academy before joining Czech club Slavia Prague.
He attracted attention through his performances in the UEFA Youth League and has also scored after making his senior debut for Slavia.
Suleiman recently extended his contract with the Czech club until 2031, and his Super Eagles invitation represents another step in his development.
Moses Usor is one of the most experienced newcomers at 24.
The left-footed winger, who mainly operates from the right, played an important role in LASK’s recent league-and-cup double in Austria.
LASK’s success also included Champions League qualification, adding to Usor’s growing club experience.
He is one of the three newcomers already included in Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying squad, meaning he could have an early opportunity to make his senior debut.
George Ilenikhena is perhaps the most recognisable attacking name among the newcomers.
Born in Lagos, the 20-year-old developed in France with Amiens before moving to Royal Antwerp and Monaco.
He gained Champions League experience in Europe and scored in the competition before joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in 2026.
Eligible to represent both Nigeria and France, Ilenikhena has committed his international future to the Super Eagles.
He is also part of the AFCON qualifying squad, giving him a potential route to his senior debut in the immediate future.
Peter Edokpolor is another young forward being introduced to the senior set-up.
The 19-year-old tall centre-forward can also operate from the wing and joined Portuguese giants Benfica from Galadima FC.
He has progressed through Benfica’s Under-23 and B teams and has had exposure to the club’s first-team environment.
His Super Eagles invitation gives him the opportunity to take another step towards senior international football.
Umar Abubakar arrives with an eye-catching goalscoring record.
The 20-year-old striker, who stands at around 1.90m, previously represented Nigeria at Under-17 level.
During a loan spell at Jong Gent, he scored 21 goals before earning a permanent move to Portuguese club Famalicão.
His first senior invitation now gives him the chance to show whether his goalscoring form can translate to the international stage.
The final newcomer is 19-year-old Umar Abdullahi, also known as Abdullahi Umar.
The striker plays for Czech club Hradec Králové and previously caught attention after scoring 25 goals in a single Under-19 season.
He has since progressed into senior football in the Czech Republic, featuring in domestic matches and European qualifiers.
His Super Eagles invitation is the latest step in his progression from youth football to the senior international stage.
Chelle’s latest selections show an attempt to broaden the number of players available to Nigeria at senior level.
The established core remains important, with players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi still involved in the competitive AFCON qualifiers.
But the coach is also creating room to assess younger players who could become important members of the Super Eagles in the coming years.
For Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena, the opportunity could come quickly through the AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
For the other newcomers, the Russia friendly offers a valuable chance to experience the senior set-up and compete for future opportunities.
A first call-up, however, is only the beginning. The real challenge for these 13 players will be turning their invitation into a place in Nigeria’s long-term plans.
