Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has handed first senior invitations to 13 players as he continues to widen his options ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures. The new invitees, largely drawn from clubs in Europe and the Middle East, cover every area of the pitch and include players selected for the international friendly against Russia as well as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Chelle is working with separate squads for Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and the subsequent friendly against Russia. While established players have been retained for the competitive fixtures, the Russia match gives Chelle an opportunity to assess younger talents who could become part of the Super Eagles’ senior setup.
The 13 players receiving their first senior invitations are: Isaac James The 22-year-old Alverca defender is capable of playing at left-back, wing-back or left centre-back. James started his career with Garden City Panthers before moving to France and later Portugal, where he has become a regular starter for Alverca. He is included in both Chelle’s wider selection and the AFCON squad. Victory Akpe Akpe, 19, is a centre-back who has made rapid progress in European football.
The approximately 1.95m defender moved from Lithuania to Hungary before joining Swiss club Basel in 2026. His physical presence and ability to build play from defence have earned him his first senior invitation. Samuel James SJK goalkeeper Samuel James is another youngster receiving his first call-up. The approximately 20-year-old goalkeeper came through Mavlon FC and previously represented Nigeria at youth level with the Flying Eagles.
He has established himself in Finland and now forms part of Chelle’s goalkeeping options. Chibuzo Nwoko The 20-year-old midfielder is a left-footed central midfielder who came through Fulham’s academy after spending time in Chelsea’s youth setup. Nwoko represented England at Under-18 level