Super Eagles Squad for March 2026 Friendlies: Full Lineup for Iran and Jordan Revealed

Eric Chelle has named his Super Eagles squad March 2026, calling up 23 players for two international friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Antalya, Turkey. The matches — scheduled for March 27 and March 31 respectively — give Chelle a chance to test new combinations and begin building a deeper pool of talent after Nigeria’s painful World Cup play-off exit. As BBC Sport regularly notes, international breaks are where coaches earn their reputations, and this one carries serious weight for a nation hungry to recover its football standing.

The announcement brings a mix of familiar faces and exciting new blood. Three players receive maiden call-ups. Meanwhile, notable absentees have sparked the debate every Nigerian football fan was expecting.

Here is everything you need to know about the full squad.

The Full 23-Man Super Eagles Squad for March 2026

Below is the complete lineup across all positions:

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos, Greece), Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers, Scotland) — maiden call-up

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England), Wilfred Ndidi — captain (Besiktas, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany) — maiden call-up, Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium) — maiden call-up

It is a squad that reflects Chelle’s thinking clearly: European-based players with proven club form, a strong midfield spine, and room for emerging forwards to stake their claim.

Goalkeeping: Okoye Takes the Number One Shirt

Maduka Okoye is the undisputed first choice between the sticks. The Udinese goalkeeper has been one of the more consistent performers for the Super Eagles in recent seasons, and with Stanley Nwabali absent from this squad, he faces no real competition for the starting spot.

However, the real interest lies in the two names behind him. Adeleye Adebayo, based at Volos in the Greek Super League, is a relatively uncapped option Chelle appears to be monitoring. Francis Uzoho, meanwhile, remains the experienced deputy — the Omonia Cyprus stopper has been around the Super Eagles setup for several years and knows what international football demands.

Notably, Nwabali’s absence is significant. The Chippa United keeper was a standout at AFCON 2023, and his omission suggests either a tactical choice or a fitness concern. Nigerian fans will be watching closely to see whether Chelle plans to restore him for competitive fixtures.

Defensive Options: Bassey Anchors, Fernandez Makes His Bow

Calvin Bassey is the rock at the back. The Fulham centre-back brings Premier League experience and physical authority — qualities that are non-negotiable at international level. Alongside him, Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi provide versatility across the defensive line.

Zaidu Sanusi’s inclusion at left-back is also welcome. The FC Porto man has speed and drive down the flank, giving the Eagles an attacking dimension from deep. Meanwhile, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Igoh Ogbu add further depth to the defensive unit.

Furthermore, the big story at the back is Emmanuel Fernandez. The Rangers Scotland defender earns his first senior Super Eagles invitation, and the pressure is immediately on him to impress. At club level, he has shown composure and reading of the game — qualities that will be tested against Iran and Jordan.

Chelle’s defensive selection suggests he is building towards a settled back four rather than experimenting wildly. That is a sensible approach given the criticism Nigeria’s defence has faced in recent campaigns.

Midfield: Ndidi Leads, Onyedika and Dele-Bashiru Add Quality

Wilfred Ndidi captains the side from midfield. Now at Besiktas in Turkey, the former Leicester City anchor remains the heartbeat of Nigeria’s engine room — a player who sets the tone with discipline and positional intelligence. His captaincy is uncontested, and rightly so.

Around him, the options are genuinely exciting. Raphael Onyedika has grown into one of the most highly regarded midfielders in Belgian football at Club Brugge. His range of passing and ability to control tempo give Nigeria a genuine playmaking dimension. Additionally, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s involvement from SS Lazio adds a dynamic, box-to-box quality that Chelle clearly values.

Alex Iwobi, operating in a slightly advanced midfield role at Fulham, brings experience and versatility. Frank Onyeka rounds out the midfield options as a solid, combative presence. In short, this is a midfield with both legs and brains — a combination Nigeria has often struggled to balance in competitive matches.

For a closer look at how Nigeria’s top European-based players have been performing this season, check out our Top 10 Nigerian Players in Europe 2025/26 guide.

Attack: Lookman Leads a Crowded Forward Line

Ademola Lookman is the headline act up front. His performances for Atletico Madrid this season have drawn widespread admiration — precise, technical, and devastatingly effective in tight spaces. He arrives in Antalya in excellent form and will be expected to lead the attack against both Iran and Jordan.

However, the depth around him is what makes this squad genuinely interesting. Samuel Chukwueze at Fulham, Chidera Ejuke at Sevilla, and Simon Moses at Paris FC all offer different profiles — pace, technical quality, and energy. Paul Onuachu provides a physical target option that Nigeria have often lacked at international level.

Meanwhile, the two debutants — Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor — are the names on everyone’s lips. Otele, who plays for Hamburger SV in the German second division, has been prolific in front of goal this season. Sor, from KRC Genk in Belgium, is a raw but exciting young striker who catches the eye with his movement and finishing. Both will be hoping to stake an early claim for a regular spot in Chelle’s plans.

Akor Adams, the third Sevilla-based forward in the squad, adds further competition. Notably, the absence of Victor Osimhen leaves the door ajar for these younger names to make an impression that lasts beyond these two games.

The Elephant in the Room: No Osimhen, No Nwabali

Nigerian football fans had two questions the moment the squad leaked: where is Osimhen, and where is Nwabali?

Victor Osimhen’s absence is the bigger headline. The Galatasaray striker is arguably Nigeria’s most dangerous forward, and his omission from a squad ahead of an international window raises eyebrows. There has been no official explanation of a specific injury, though some reports suggest a management decision or fitness management around club commitments. Consequently, his absence opens the door for other forwards to prove themselves over these two matches.

As for Stanley Nwabali, the AFCON 2023 hero’s omission signals that Chelle is making choices — not simply picking the most recognisable names. That said, if Nwabali remains in strong form for his club, it would be surprising not to see him back in the fold for competitive games.

These decisions are worth watching. They tell us something about Chelle’s preferred hierarchy and who he trusts when the stakes are higher.

What These Friendlies Mean for the Super Eagles

Nigeria’s exit from the World Cup 2026 play-offs still stings. These friendlies are not a consolation prize — they are a working window. Chelle has two matches to trial his preferred systems, test combinations, and give new players a taste of the international environment before the next round of competitive action arrives.

Antalya in Turkey is a practical neutral venue — easy access for European-based players and a decent standard of facilities. The games against Iran and Jordan will offer reasonable resistance without the pressure of a must-win fixture.

Furthermore, this squad selection signals a message: Chelle is not waiting for superstars to be available. He is building a culture and a playing style that relies on the collective. If Osimhen comes back next window, he slots back in — but so do the players who have earned their place through these games.

For Nigerian fans, the hope is that these friendlies spark a conversation about identity. What does the Super Eagles want to be? A team that relies on one or two individuals, or a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level? The March 2026 window is one small step in answering that question. You can track Nigeria’s all-time goalscoring history in our Super Eagles All-Time Top Scorers guide.

Key Players to Watch in Antalya

Several names deserve special attention over the two matches. Raphael Onyedika’s performances could be decisive — if he controls midfield effectively, the whole team functions better. Ademola Lookman’s link-up play and finishing will determine whether Nigeria create and convert chances up front.

In addition, the three debutants will attract the most scrutiny. Fernandez, Otele, and Sor have the chance to announce themselves on the international stage. Each is entering the senior setup with genuine talent but no guarantee of a long-term place. These matches are their interview.

Ultimately, what matters most from Antalya is not the results — it is the progress. Can Chelle identify a first-choice back four? Can Onyedika and Dele-Bashiru work as a midfield partnership? Does Lookman function best with a physical foil, or with movement around him? These are the questions March 2026 should begin to answer.

The Super Eagles’ journey back towards the top of African football runs through moments exactly like this one.