BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 31: Eric Chelle, head coach of Nigeria, before the Unity Cup Final match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
The head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria, Eric Chelle, has reportedly issued a 35-man provisional invitation list ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers playoff in Morocco, according to OwnGoalNigeria.com.
Nigeria will face Gabon on November 13 in the mini-tournament, with the winner of that clash set to play either Cameroon or DR Congo in the second semifinal of the playoffs. The ultimate victor will secure a spot in the next phase of the World Cup qualification series.
Ahead of the crucial fixtures, Chelle has sent out provisional invitations to 35 players, which will later be trimmed down to 25 before the team departs for Morocco.
Among the notable inclusions is Ebenezer Akinsamiro, the on-loan Inter Milan midfielder, currently impressing at Pisa in Serie A.
Akinsamiro’s inclusion has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. The 20-year-old midfielder has been one of Pisa’s standout performers this season, featuring in seven Serie A games and registering one assist so far.
According to sources close to the team, Chelle has been following Akinsamiro’s development closely and is said to be a huge admirer of the young star’s composure and creativity in midfield. This marks Akinsamiro’s first-ever invitation to the senior national team — a significant milestone in his career.
“Chelle rates Akinsamiro highly. His performances in Italy have been impressive, and this call-up shows the coach’s intent to inject youth and energy into the squad,” a source revealed.
Under Chelle’s leadership, the Nigerian national team appears to be embracing a new generation of talent, blending promising youngsters with established internationals. The selection of Akinsamiro and other emerging players signals a strategic rebuild aimed at ensuring Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness on the global stage.
With the playoffs approaching, all eyes will be on Chelle’s final 25-man squad — and whether these fresh faces can help the Super Eagles soar back to the World Cup.
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