The exclusions of Osimhen and Nwabali headline a sweeping reshuffle of the squad that featured at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Chelle opting to assess new options ahead of the fixtures.

Also omitted are goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Muhammed Usman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi, as well as forwards Salim Fago and Cyriel Dessers.

New call-ups include Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor, a clear signal to deepen squad options and inject fresh legs.

Team captain Wilfred Ndidi returns to anchor the side, alongside midfield regular Alex Iwobi and former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, who is expected to lead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.

Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Iran on Friday at 4pm before taking on Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, with an 8pm Nigerian time kick-off.