victor osimhen has been left out of Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the four-team tournament relocated to Antalya, Turkey, coach Eric Chelle confirmed. The squad, announced for fixtures on March 27, 2026 (ET) and March 31, 2026 (ET), includes a first call-up for Rangers defender Manny Fernandez while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili is also omitted. No specific reason was given in the squad list for the exclusion of victor osimhen.
Victor Osimhen left out as fresh faces arrive
The coaching decision removes a leading name from the roster as Nigeria prepares to face Iran and Jordan in back-to-back fixtures. The Nigeria Football Federation submitted a 23-man group that names players across goalkeeping, defensive, midfield and attacking roles; the list does not include victor osimhen but does include forwards such as Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu. The omission of victor osimhen and of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili was confirmed when the final squad list was issued for the Antalya tournament.
Key facts and squad composition
Coach Eric Chelle selected three goalkeepers — Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho — and an outfield mix featuring Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and forwards including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke and Paul Onuachu. Rangers defender Manny Fernandez received his first Nigeria call-up and is listed among the selected defenders. The squad also includes Philip Otele, Collins Yira Sor and others named for the mini-tournament.
Official move of venue and governing body statement
The Jordanian Football Association said: “The Jordanian Football Association has decided to move the matches of the four-team international friendly tournament, scheduled for March 2026, to be held in the Turkish city of Antalya, due to the current situation in the region and the limited movement of people. ” The tournament will feature Iran, Jordan, Nigeria and Costa Rica, and the published schedule sets Iran vs Nigeria on March 27, 2026 (ET) and Jordan vs Nigeria on March 31, 2026 (ET).
Immediate reactions and personnel notes
Eric Chelle has previously spoken of a desire to add fresh faces to his group; the inclusion of Manny Fernandez reflects that approach. The squad omission of Stanley Nwabili follows his period without a club after contract termination, while the selection of three goalkeepers points to competition for the position ahead of the friendlies. No direct comment from victor osimhen or his representatives is included in the squad release.
Quick context
Nigeria are three-time African champions and finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The four-team event in Antalya forms part of the federation’s broader technical preparation for upcoming international challenges.
What’s next
The Super Eagles begin the Antalya mini-tournament on March 27, 2026 (ET) when Iran faces Nigeria, followed by Nigeria’s match with Jordan on March 31, 2026 (ET). The Nigeria Football Federation has ongoing administrative matters, including a petition to FIFA over alleged ineligible players in other qualifying ties; the selected squad will travel preparations and final fitness checks before the scheduled kickoff, and observers will watch closely for any late changes that could affect the exclusion of victor osimhen.
