It could be recall that Chelle unveiled a list of 39 players for the World Cup Qualifiers last week. That list had eight new boys, while the bulk of the players had been involved with the Super Eagles before. On Tuesday, coach Chelle unveiled the final list, with 16 players removed.

Of the 23 players called up, there are just four new invitees, with Tolu Arokodare, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Igoh Ogbu, and Kayode Bankole all getting their maiden call-ups. Chelle also made some big calls, with some of the regulars like Kelechi Iheanacho, Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka, Chidera Ejuke, and Ahmed Musa getting snubbed.

While the team looks balanced to a large extent, some players should have been considered on the basis of their performances this season. In this article, Kelvin Omachonu writes on three players who should have made Chelle’s final cut.

1.Christantus Uche is a notable absentee from the Super Eagles list. In a period the Super Eagles are still looking for a creative midfielder who will shoulder the burden of forming a perfect bridge between the defenders and the attackers the young but hugely talented Uche could have suited the bill. The Nigerian midfielder just burst onto the scene this season after a summer move from Ceuta, a club in the third division in Spain, to Getafe.

The 21-year-old midfielder has quickly become an integral member of Getafe’s team, as he has produced three goals and three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. His impressive ball-holding ability, great passing, and impeccable work rate has attracted some top clubs in Europe, with Chelsea and other top Premier League clubs reportedly showing interest in signing him permanently.

With his talent, he could offer something new in Nigeria’s midfield, but he would have to wait for another time before getting an opportunity with the national team.

2. Cyriel Dessers: Dessers has been in sublime form for Rangers since the start of the year. The 30-year-old striker has contributed 10 goals and three assists in 13 games for the Gers. Aside from Victor Osimhen, no other Super Eagles striker at a top club can boast of a similar record. Even Victor Boniface, who was picked ahead of him, has managed just two goals this year, with just a handful of appearances. He has been in terrific form for Rangers especially in the Europa League.

Moreover, he has already scored twice for Nigeria, unlike Boniface, who has been unreliable whenever Osimhen is absent.

3. Gabriel Osho: Gabriel Osho’s exclusion from the Super Eagles squad comes as a surprise, especially as Igoh Ogbu, who is relatively inexperienced in the International scene, got a call-up. Osho has been a regular for Auxerre in Ligue 1, featuring in 17 of their games this season.

Nonetheless, Osho has struggled with injuries this season, but that is unlikely to be the reason. It is a big call from Chelle and hopefully his decision does not come back to haunt him.

Osho made his debut for the Super Eagles last year and has had a commendable season in Ligue 1. However, Chelle has opted for the 25-year-old Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu, who earns his maiden call-up.





https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/players-who-should-have-made-chelles-squad/