Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made late changes to his squad for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures, with the announcement of the team’s list now delayed until later this week.
According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Chelle’s squad was originally scheduled to be released today, but the announcement has been deferred as the coach makes injury-enforced changes and awaits updates on the fitness of some players.
Nigeria are set to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Morocco four days later for their second fixture against Guinea-Bissau.
The fitness situations surrounding several key players are reportedly among the reasons for the delay in releasing the squad.
The report identifies Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, as well as winger Femi Azeez as four players whose situations have contributed to the changes being made to Chelle’s list.
The coach is therefore waiting for further clarity on the players’ fitness as he finalizes his selection for the two AFCON qualifying matches.
Chelle is also preparing a separate group of players for Nigeria’s upcoming friendly against Russia in Moscow.
According to the report, some of the players selected for the Russia friendly were only contacted by Chelle during the week.
The coach, who also doubles as Nigeria’s U-23 head coach, intends to use the encounter to assess several players who form part of his plans.
The changes and delayed announcement mean Chelle is continuing to fine-tune his plans for a busy period that will see Nigeria begin their 2027 AFCON qualification campaign before facing Russia in a friendly.
COURTESY: Sportniche
