Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has left out forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Tolu Arokodare from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London, signaling a continued rebuilding process ahead of future international competitions.
Iheanacho had been widely expected to return to the national team after rediscovering his scoring form with Celtic F.C.
The striker recently scored four goals in three matches for the Scottish champions, sparking speculation that he could earn another Super Eagles call-up.
However, Chelle opted to look elsewhere as he continues to reshape the squad with a focus on younger and emerging talents.
Instead, the Franco-Malian tactician handed opportunities to new attacking faces, including Owen Oseni of Plymouth Argyle F.C. and Rafiu Durosinmi, who currently plays for Pisa Sporting Club.
Arokodare also failed to make the final squad despite recently featuring in the English top flight with Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Chelle instead turned to Terem Moffi, who recently celebrated a league title success in Portugal during his loan stint with FC Porto.
Moffi is expected to lead Nigeria’s attack at the Unity Cup, especially with Victor Osimhen unavailable for the tournament.
The striker missed Nigeria’s last Africa Cup of Nations campaign after a lengthy spell without regular football following his exit from OGC Nice amid reported tensions with sections of the club’s supporters.
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement remains the inclusion of Oseni.
Sources close to the coaching crew revealed that Chelle has been impressed by the forward’s high pressing, movement, physical intensity and attacking contributions throughout the season.
Durosinmi also retained the confidence of the technical crew despite struggling for consistency since arriving at Pisa in January.
The striker had previously been named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations but did not make the final cut.
Also included among the attacking options is Femi Azeez as Chelle continues his search for depth and balance in the Super Eagles frontline.
Nigeria will begin the defence of their Unity Cup title against the Zimbabwe national football team.
A victory could set up a final clash against either the India national football team or the Jamaica national football team.
Chelle has consistently maintained that the Unity Cup will serve as an opportunity to assess fringe players, home-based stars and emerging prospects as he works towards building a competitive squad for upcoming major tournaments.
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