Team captain Wilfred Ndidi and midfielder Alex Iwobi headline the squad released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Saturday, November 7, alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.

The omission of Okoye follows a difficult spell at Italian Serie A side Udinese, who have struggled for results, including an 8th defeat in nine league matches. The goalkeeper also conceded five goals in Udinese’s 5-2 defeat to Roma on October 31.

Okoye had previously attracted attention after reporting late to the Super Eagles camp in September, although Chelle explained that he had granted the goalkeeper permission to attend his club’s third-kit presentation in Milan.

Iheanacho’s exclusion has equally generated interest, considering his impressive scoring form at Turkish second-division club Bursaspor, where he has reportedly scored 17 league goals this season. The former Leicester City striker also scored in Nigeria’s 3-3 international friendly draw against Russia in October.

Also missing from the squad is Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable following a left-knee injury that requires surgery, according to his Turkish club, Galatasaray.

In goal, Chelle has retained Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo while recalling Francis Uzoho to replace Okoye.

The coach has also introduced fresh options into the squad, handing a maiden invitation to midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, while Samson Tijani and Suleiman Mubarak also feature in the selection.

Other notable inclusions are Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf, who return to the national team, while Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka are among the midfielders left out.

In the attacking department, Nigeria will rely on Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon, Moses Usor and Taiwo Awoniyi to provide the goals in Osimhen’s absence.

The Super Eagles will host Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return encounter at the Amaan Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.

Nigeria currently occupy second position in Group L, three points behind Guinea-Bissau, following an inconsistent start to their qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles began with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying fixture.

With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 tournament as one of the co-hosts, Nigeria must produce strong performances in the two encounters to improve their chances of securing the group’s available qualification ticket.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

FULL LIST OF NIGERIA’S 24-MAN SQUAD

Goalkeepers

• Stanley Nwabali – Chippa United, South Africa
• Francis Uzoho – Omonia FC, Cyprus
• Arthur Okonkwo – Charlton Athletic, England

Defenders 4. Bruno Onyemaechi – Olympiakos, Greece 5. Ola Aina – Nottingham Forest, England 6. Benjamin Fredricks – Brentford, England 7. Semi Ajayi – Hull City, England 8. Calvin Bassey – Fulham, England 9. Chibuike Nwaiwu – Trabzonspor, Turkey 10. Bright Osayi-Samuel – Birmingham City, England 11. Abdullahi Bewene – Banik Ostrava, Czechia

Midfielders 12. Wilfred Ndidi – Besiktas, Turkey 13. Alex Iwobi – Fulham, England 14. Alhassan Yusuf – New England Revolution, USA 15. Tochukwu Nnadi – Olympique Marseille, France 16. Samson Tijani – FK Podbrezova, Slovakia 17. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Lazio, Italy 18. Suleiman Mubarak – Slavia Prague, Czechia

Forwards 19. Moses Simon – Paris FC, France 20. Taiwo Awoniyi – Coventry City, England 21. Akor Adams – Venezia, Italy 22. Ademola Lookman – Atletico Madrid, Spain 23. Tolu Arokodare – Ajax, Netherlands 24. Moses Usor – LASK, Austria

The two matches are considered crucial to Nigeria’s qualification ambitions as Chelle seeks to strengthen the team and restore confidence among supporters ahead of the continental competition.