Four Players Chelle Could Recall For Nigeria’s September AFCON Qualifiers

Four Players Chelle Could Recall For Nigeria’s September AFCON Qualifiers

By BSN Sports 

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle appears to be keeping a close watch on several players as Nigeria prepares for the next phase of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in September, with Chelle expected to name his squad in the coming weeks as he looks to assemble a team capable of securing maximum points from the qualifiers.

While established internationals such as Victor Osimhen and Semi Ajayi continued to make headlines with their club performances over the weekend, Chelle also highlighted four players who have not featured regularly for the Super Eagles in recent times.

They are Alhassan Yusuf, Chidera Ejuke, George Ilenikhena and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Their latest performances could strengthen their claims for inclusion when Chelle finalises his squad for the September international window.

Yusuf was arguably the standout performer of the group after scoring a hat-trick for New England Revolution. The midfielder's impressive display could boost his chances of returning to the national team, particularly if he sustains his current run of form.

Ejuke also made an impression after finding the net for Sevilla against Athletic Bilbao. The winger has 14 international appearances to his name and could offer Chelle another option in the wide attacking positions if recalled.

For Ilenikhena, a potential invitation would represent a significant milestone. The young forward, who scored for Al Ittihad against Al Qadisiah, is yet to make his senior debut for Nigeria. Continued strong performances at club level could therefore put him firmly in contention for his first Super Eagles call-up.

Iheanacho, meanwhile, is using his move to Bursaspor to revive his fortunes. The experienced striker scored in his third consecutive match for the Turkish club, providing another positive signal for Chelle to consider.

The 58-cap international has not featured for Nigeria since May 2025, but his recent goalscoring form could reopen the door to a return to the national team.

Yusuf has made 10 appearances for the Super Eagles, while Ejuke has featured 14 times. Ilenikhena remains uncapped at senior level, while Iheanacho brings considerably more international experience to the group.

Chelle, however, has not confirmed that any of the four players will be included in his September squad. His decision to draw attention to their club performances should not necessarily be interpreted as a guarantee of selection, but it does underline the importance of players maintaining good form ahead of the international break.

Competition for places in the Super Eagles is expected to be intense, particularly in midfield and attack. The performances of Yusuf, Ejuke, Ilenikhena and Iheanacho therefore give Chelle additional options as he continues to assess the depth available to him.

Ultimately, their inclusion will depend on Chelle's final selection, but their recent displays have ensured that all four players have given the coach plenty to think about ahead of Nigeria's 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.