Meet Chelle’s New Super Eagles Faces As Three Players Earn First Senior Call-Ups

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has introduced fresh faces to Nigeria’s senior national team after handing first-time call-ups to Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the three players were included in Chelle’s 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Arthur Okonkwo is one of the three goalkeepers selected for the qualifiers and receives his first senior invitation after previously featuring for Nigeria at youth and lower international levels. The Charlton Athletic goalkeeper will compete with Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye for a place in Chelle’s squad.

Isaac James, who plays for Portuguese club Alverca, is the new addition to Nigeria’s defensive options. The 22-year-old has been called up as Chelle looks to strengthen the left side of his defence, particularly with Zaidu Sanusi unavailable. James now has an opportunity to establish himself within the senior national team setup.

George Ilenikhena completes the trio of first-time senior invitees. The young forward, who plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, has been included among an attacking group that features established Super Eagles stars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.

Ilenikhena previously represented France at youth level but is now part of Nigeria’s senior setup and could make his international debut during the September qualifiers.

Moses Usor is also part of Chelle’s 24-man squad. The forward, who plays for Austrian club LASK, has been selected alongside Nigeria’s established attacking options. His inclusion gives Chelle another option in the forward line as the Super Eagles begin their campaign for qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

The latest squad combines experienced internationals with emerging players, giving Chelle an opportunity to assess new options as Nigeria begins its qualifying campaign. The NFF confirmed the 24-man roster for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau fixtures, with the Super Eagles set to begin their Group L campaign in Uyo.