Chelle puts four fringe players in frame for Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 ties

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has placed Alhassan Yusuf, Chidera Ejuke, George Ilenikhena and Kelechi Iheanacho on the radar for Nigeria’s September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.

Nigeria will open their qualification campaign against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as they begin the route to the tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Chelle has not confirmed that any of the four will receive a call-up, but his recent social media activity has drawn attention to their chances.

The coach shared footage of Yusuf scoring a record-breaking hat-trick for New England Revolution. The midfielder has made 10 appearances for Nigeria, making him one of the less established options in the group being considered.

Ejuke was also featured after scoring for Sevilla against Athletic Bilbao. The winger has 14 Super Eagles caps. Ilenikhena, meanwhile, attracted attention with a goal for Al Ittihad against Al Qadisiah and could be in line for his first senior Nigeria invitation, having yet to represent the national team.

Iheanacho’s current form has also strengthened his case. The forward has scored in three consecutive matches since joining Bursaspor. He has 58 caps for Nigeria but has not played for the country since May 2025.

Chelle’s posts also included established internationals Victor Osimhen and Semi Ajayi after they scored for Galatasaray and Hull City respectively. Osimhen has 52 caps, while Ajayi has played 56 times for the Super Eagles, so the focus on the other four suggests the coach is monitoring players outside his regular selection group.

The September fixtures will provide Chelle with an early opportunity to assess the depth of his squad. Continued form at club level could improve the prospects of Yusuf, Ejuke, Ilenikhena and Iheanacho when the squad for the qualifiers is finalised.