Super Eagles coach Chelle names four debutants

DDM News

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has announced his final 23-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the list includes four potential debutants who could make their first appearance for the national team.

Nigeria will face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in crucial qualifying matches for the global tournament.

These new players have impressed in their respective clubs and earned their places in the squad.

Tolu Arokodare (Genk)

Tolu Arokodare has finally received his first call-up to the Super Eagles after an outstanding season in Europe.

The Genk striker has been playing in Europe since 2019, moving through Germany, Latvia, France, and Belgium.

He has scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 34 games across all competitions this season.

Arokodare leads the Belgian Jupiler Pro League goal chart with 16 goals in 29 matches.

His club, Genk, currently enjoys a nine-point lead in the league standings.

He joined Genk in January 2023 as a replacement for fellow Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu.

His inclusion provides another attacking option for Chelle in the Super Eagles squad.

It remains uncertain whether he will play alongside Victor Osimhen in the qualifiers.

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague)

Igoh Ogbu has earned his place in the Super Eagles squad after excelling for Slavia Prague.

The former Gombe United player moved abroad in 2018 and played for four clubs in Norway.

In January 2023, he secured a transfer to Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic.

Since joining, he has become a key player for the club, featuring in 19 league matches this season.

He has also scored one goal, helping his team stay at the top of the league with 65 points.

Ogbu is the third-choice centre-back in Chelle’s squad for the qualifiers.

He might get his first cap as a substitute unless he outperforms William Troost-Ekong or Calvin Bassey.

Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Papa Daniel Mustapha has been one of the standout players in the 2024/25 NPFL season.

He impressed during the home-based Eagles’ qualifiers for the 2024 CHAN tournament.

The Niger Tornadoes midfielder is known for his dribbling, passing, and long-range shooting ability.

He has made 18 league appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

Mustapha has missed his club’s last five matches due to a possible transfer abroad.

Despite his recent inactivity, he was selected over other midfielders like Christantus Uche and Frank Onyeka.

Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

Kayode Bankole has earned his first Super Eagles call-up despite an underwhelming NPFL season.

The Remo Stars goalkeeper has been part of the Super Eagles B squad for three years.

He made his national team debut in 2022 against Costa Rica, captaining the side in a 2-0 loss.

Bankole was recently part of the home-based Eagles for the 2024 CHAN qualifiers.

He was second-choice goalkeeper behind Ani Ozoemena, who did not make the final squad.

This season, he has made only seven NPFL appearances but remains highly rated for his ball-playing skills.

During the 2022/23 NPFL season, he kept 11 clean sheets, the highest in the league.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook