The Super Eagles coach has selected different groups as Nigeria prepares for its opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and the Russia friendly.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced the two 24-man selections on Thursday as Chelle prepares for a busy period with the national team.
Nigeria will open its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for the second match on September 29.
The Super Eagles will then face Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on October 6.
Osimhen, Lookman headline AFCON qualifying squad
Chelle has kept several of Nigeria’s established stars in his squad for the two competitive fixtures.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon are among the headline names.
Maduka Okoye has also been included, while the defensive options feature Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Benjamin Fredricks, Bruno Onyemaechi and Oluwasemilogo Ajayi.
The midfield group includes Ndidi, Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyeka.
Chelle has also handed opportunities to several players hoping to establish themselves at senior international level.
Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena are among the players receiving senior invitations, with Moses Usor and Chibuike Nwaiwu also included.
Ilenikhena and Usor are among the younger attacking options selected for the qualifiers.
Super Eagles squad for Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali.
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina.
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyeka.
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor.
Chelle names different squad for Russia friendly
For the October 6 friendly against Russia, Chelle has opted for a substantially different squad.
Ndidi will captain the team, while Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredricks, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon and Akor Adams are among the players retained.
The selection also gives several players an opportunity to make their mark with the senior national team.
Finland-based goalkeeper Samuel James and Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe are among the players receiving their first senior invitations.
Kelechi Iheanacho is also back in the squad for the Russia fixture, while players from clubs in Nigeria and across Europe make up much of the selection.
Super Eagles squad for Russia friendly
Goalkeepers: Michael Atata, Samuel James, Stanley Nwabali.
Defenders: Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Victory Akpe, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Abdullahi Bewene.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, Ridwan Abdulrasaq, Suleiman Mubarak, Aderemi Adeoye.
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar, Abdullahi Umar.
Nigeria begin road to AFCON 2027
The Super Eagles’ immediate focus will be on their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifying matches.
Madagascar will visit Uyo on September 25 before Nigeria travels to Bissau to meet Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The Russia friendly will follow on October 6 and gives Chelle an opportunity to assess a different group of players while continuing to build his squad ahead of future international assignments.
For Nigerian football supporters, the latest Super Eagles squad announcement provides plenty of talking points, from Osimhen and Lookman’s inclusion for the AFCON qualifiers to Iheanacho’s return and the introduction of several younger players for the Russia friendly.
Nigeria will be hoping to make a strong start to its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign when Madagascar arrive in Uyo.
Hot Sports Scoops will continue to bring you the latest Super Eagles news, Nigerian football updates and stories on Nigerian players at home and abroad.