AFCON 2025
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has invited 14 players for the crucial World Cup playoff match against Gabon next week.
The Franco-Malian manager handed invitation to more than a handful of players that helped the country secure qualification for the playoffs including Victor Osimhen, Frank Onyeka, Simon Moses and Samuel Chukwueze among others.
Sevilla winger, Chidera Ejuke is back in the squad as well as Udinese first choice goalkeeper, Maduka okoye after a decent run of performances in between the sticks for the Serie A club.
However, Eric Chelle will be without the services of some key players due to injuries and competitiveness of the squad.
Below are the three key players Eric Chelle would have wished are fit for the crunch tie against Gabon Thursday, next week in Rabat.
1. Paul Onuachu
Onuachu is arguably Nigeria’s best striker in Europe so far this season.
The former Southampton striker has lit up the Turkish Super League as he’s the current top scorer of the with seven goals in 11 matches. He’s just two goals short of Osimhen who has nine goals in all competitions so far.
Paul Onuachu’s aerial prowess would have come in handy for the team but with the recent performances of Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare, the Trabzonspor striker would have to wait a little while to return to the team despite his good run of form.
2. Ola Aina
The Nottingham Forest defender is still out injured although his recovery to fill fitness is close.
Ola Aina sustained a hamstring injury in September in a FIFA world cup qualification match against South Africa in Blomfontein.
Aina’s attacking prowess and defensive abilities are unmatched in Eric Chelle’s starting eleven. His presence on the pitch offers the team options in attack on the right side of the final third.
3. Fisayo Dele-Bahiru
A tireless runner down the right side of midfield. He’s one of the few players Chelle relies on to play in his midfield diamond.
He covers the right side of the midfield and support the forward line in transition which makes him an important asset in the team.
Unfortunately, the Lazio midfielder has been injured for the past few weeks but he’s expected back in the squad once he’s fit and get back to form.
