Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle unveiled his first 39-man provisional squad on Tuesday, featuring a blend of seasoned players, consistent performers, and talented newcomers, signaling a bright future for Nigerian football.
Eight players received their first-ever call-up to the Super Eagles squad, and they are expected to bring additional depth and quality to the team. With World Cup qualification as the top priority, the new invitees will be tasked with filling key gaps in the squad and making a strong case for their inclusion in the final team.
In this analysis, Bold Sports examines the potential impact of these new players on the national team, assessing whether they possess the necessary quality to compete for a spot in the final squad, particularly with crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe looming on the horizon.
Kayode Bankole – Goalkeeper (Remo Stars)
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Kayode Bankole’s rapid ascent from being a standout in the Nigerian Premier Football League to representing the Super Eagles B side has been nothing short of remarkable. His promotion to the senior national team was anticipated by fans familiar with his exceptional performances.
At just 22 years old, Bankole has established himself as a top-tier goalkeeper. He made his professional debut for Remo Stars in 2020 and quickly rose through the ranks to become arguably the best goalkeeper in the league. His impressive statistics and accolades speak to his exceptional skill as in the 2021-22 season, he tied with Sochima Victor for the most clean sheets (16) and was later recognized as the best goalkeeper of the season at the 2023 League Bloggers Award.
This season, Bankole has been instrumental in Remo Stars’ dominant form, which has seen the team take the top spot in the NPFL table with an 11-point lead. His commanding presence in goal has been a key factor in the team’s success, as such, given his impressive track record, it’s clear that Kayode Bankole has the potential to make a significant impact if called upon to represent the Super Eagles.
Igoh Ogbu – Defender (Slavia Prague)
Igho Ogbu’s journey from representing Nigeria’s U20 team to earning a call-up to the Super Eagles is a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and consistency, showcasing his remarkable growth as a player.
Ogbu’s professional career began at Gombe United before making the leap to European football in 2018, signing a four-year contract with Norwegian club Rosenborg. He later gained valuable experience through loan stints with Levanger and Sogndal.
After initially joining Sogndal on loan, Ogbu made the move permanent in June 2020. He continued to climb the ranks, joining Lillestrøm and eventually Slavia Prague in 2023. At Slavia Prague, Ogbu has established himself as a key player, demonstrating steady growth with 18 games in his first season, 41 games in his second, and 27 games already this season.
With Semi Ajayi currently sidelined due to injury, Igho Ogbu is poised to seize the opportunity to represent the Super Eagles. His youthful energy, combined with his skill and experience makes him an exciting prospect to bolster the team’s defense.
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi – Defender (Rangers International)
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, a standout center back for Rangers International and the CHAN Eagles, has been in exceptional form this season, contributing to 15 clean sheets in 27 NPFL games, solidifying his position as one of the league’s top defenders.
At 24 years old, Onyebuchi has established himself as a dominant force in the air, offering invaluable support to his team’s defense and attack. Notably, he has been the NPFL’s top-scoring defender over the past three years, with two goals already under his belt this season.
Although his selection for the final squad remains uncertain, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi’s inclusion in the 39-man provisional squad is a testament to his outstanding abilities. As one of the domestic league’s brightest stars, his presence suggests that Eric Chelle is committed to harnessing the best talents from the NPFL.
Papa Daniel – Midfielder (Niger Tornadoes)
Papa Daniel Mustapha has emerged as another outstanding talent in the NPFL, mirroring the impressive form of Kayode Bankole and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi. In addition to his domestic success, Mustapha has also represented the Super Eagles B team, contributing to their triumph over Ghana in the African Nations Championship qualifiers.
With a left foot made of gold, Papa Daniel has showcased his creative prowess for Niger Tornadoes this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Papa Daniel’s versatility is another valuable asset that could secure his position in the Super Eagles squad. As a central midfielder with the ability to adapt to an attacking midfield role, Mustapha offers flexibility and depth, making him an exciting prospect for the national team.
Anthony Dennis – Midfielder (Göztepe)
Anthony Dennis’s selection for the provisional squad is a remarkable achievement, considering his tender age and rapid ascent in the football world. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder has made tremendous strides in his career, emerging from HB Academy in Abuja to join the youth team of Turkish side Göztepe in January 2023.
Dennis’ progress has been swift and impressive, making his professional debut for Göztepe just a year after joining the club while playing a key role in their promotion from the Turkish first league to the Super Lig. This season, he has become an integral part of Göztepe’s squad, starting 20 league games and featuring in three Turkish Cup matches, as the team enjoy a remarkable season, sitting sixth in the standings.
Anthony Dennis’ outstanding midfield performances have caught the attention of Eric Chelle and the technical team, earning him a spot in the provisional squad. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Super Eagles, expectations are high that his future will only continue to shine brighter.
Chrisantus Uche – Midfielder (Getafe)
21-year-old midfielder Chrisantus Uche began his career playing grassroots football in Nigeria before relocating to Spain, where he honed his skills with lower-division clubs Moralo and Ceuta.
Uche’s rise to prominence has been swift and impressive. After joining Getafe in 2024, he made the remarkable leap from lower-division football to LaLiga in just two years. His dedication and work ethic have earned him the affectionate nickname “The Rock” among Getafe supporters.
Chrisantus Uche’s impressive performances have garnered numerous accolades, including Getafe’s Player of the Month for August and multiple Player of the Week recognitions. His versatility, allowing him to play effectively as both a striker and midfielder, will be a valuable asset as he seeks to replicate his club success with the national team.
Tolu Arokodare – Striker (Genk)
Tolu Arokodare’s football journey began in Nigeria, where he developed his skills at various academies, including Kash Academy, Flying Sports Academy, Segun Odegbami International College, and Box2Box FC. His talents eventually caught the attention of European clubs, leading to trials with SC Freiburg and Toulouse.
Arokodare’s professional career took off in June 2019 when he joined Latvian club Valmiera. He later gained valuable experience through loan stints with German club 1. FC Köln and Ligue 2 side Amiens, where he impressed with 21 goals in 63 appearances. His performances earned him a move to Genk, where he scored 17 goals in his first 63 games.
This season, Tolu Arokodare has elevated his game, becoming a consistent goal-scorer and leading his team’s charge for the Belgian Pro League title. With 18 goals and five assists in 33 games, Arokodare’s impressive form has been a significant factor in Genk’s success. His aerial presence and ability to link up play makes him an attractive option for the Super Eagles, potentially providing a suitable backup for Victor Osimhen when needed.
Akor Adams – Striker (Sevilla)
Akor Adams is another quality striker that received his first call-up to the Super Eagles’ provisional squad for the World Cup qualifiers, despite currently being sidelined with an injury.
The 25-year-old’s football journey began at Jamba Football Academy before he made the move to Norwegian club Sogndal in August 2018. He later joined Lillestrøm, where he impressed with 25 goals in 46 appearances, catching the attention of Ligue 1 side Montpellier, whom he joined in 2023.
At Montpellier, Akor Adams scored 10 goals in his debut season, demonstrating his attacking prowess. However, after a 12-game goal drought, he made the switch to Sevilla in January. Although his time at Sevilla has been cut short due to injury, sustained during training after his debut against Getafe, Akor Adams’ exceptional strength and acceleration makes him an exciting prospect for the Super Eagles.
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