Soccer
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his starting lineup for Nigeria’s friendly match against Iran scheduled for Antalya, Turkey, Soccernet.ng reports.
It is the Super Eagles’ first match since beating Egypt’s Pharaohs on penalties to claim the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in January.
With Nigeria no longer in the qualifying race for the 2026 World Cup, these friendlies only serve as tune-up games ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers later in the year.
With Calvin Bassey and Victor Osimhen unavailable, Chelle has opted for a blend of returning stars and established personnel in his first eleven to face the Lions of Iran.
Your #SuperEagles squad to face Iran.#IRNNGA #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/6KrUrrXbXR
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 27, 2026
In goal, Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye gets the nod ahead of Francis Uzoho. Okoye is making his first Super Eagles appearance since helping Nigeria to a 1-1 draw against Russia last June.
The former Watford shot-stopper missed the 2025 AFCON where Stanley Nwabali was the undisputed number one.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi slot into the back four as they did against Egypt in Morocco with Slavia centre-back Igoh Ogbu replacing the injured Calvin Bassey.
Besiktas enforcer Wilfred Ndidi and Fulham playmaker Alex Iwobi have been tasked with holding forte in midfield for the Super Eagles. The duo were particularly impressive in that role at the AFCON.
Paris FC winger Moses Simon and Fulham ace Samuel Chukwueze are the preferred options for Chelle out on the flanks.
2024 Africa Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman and Sevilla star Akor Adams lead the attack as the Super Eagles seek to end their mini goal drought.
After smashing 14 goals in their first five games at the AFCON, Nigeria’s attack was kept quiet by Morocco and Egypt in the decisive stages.
Confirmed Super Eagles starting XI (4-2-2-2):
Okoye; Osayi-Samuel, Ogbu, Ajayi, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Simon, Chukwueze; Adams, Lookman.
Super Eagles stars on the bench
On the bench, Chelle can call on Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu, the leading goalscorer in the Turkish Super Lig.
The trio of Philip Otele, Yira Sor and Emmanuel Fernandez will also be eager to make their international debut from the bench at some point during the encounter.
Goalkeepers Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho are available for Chelle, while Zaidu Sanusi and Chibuike Nwaiwu provide defensive options.
Lazio man Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke and Coventry City’s Frank Onyeka are all listed among the substitutes.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.
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