Four Players Who Could Force Their Way Back Into Eric Chelle'S Plans

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing for two crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, and Eric Chelle may have some difficult decisions to make regarding some players.

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on September 25 before travelling to Morocco to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

With several players unavailable through injury, the upcoming international window could open the door for some familiar faces to return to the national team.

Here are four players who could force their way back into the Super Eagles conversation.

1. KelechiIheanacho

If current form is the main criterion, it is becoming difficult to leave Kelechi Iheanacho out of the conversation.

The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward has enjoyed a blistering start to life at Bursaspor, recording nine goals and two assists in seven Turkish 1. Lig appearances.

Though he is playing in a less competitive second division, his experience and consistency could convince Chelle, who is sweating over the fitness of key players such as Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu.

Iheanacho's last appearance for the Super Eagles came in the 2025 Unity Cup final on May 31, 2025, when Nigeria beat Jamaica 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in London.

He was left out of Nigeria's squad for the 2026 Unity Cup and has not featured for the national team since, but his prolific scoring run in Turkey has reignited talk of a recall.

2. ToluArokodare

Tolu Arokodare's loan move to Ajax has given him another opportunity to prove himself at a major European club, and he has grabbed it with both hands.

With two goals in four appearances for the Dutch side so far this season, Arokodare is showing signs that could put him back on Eric Chelle's radar.

Though he has not always impressed in the Super Eagles kit, Arokodare offers a different profile from some of Chelle's other attacking options. He is tall, physical, capable of holding the ball up, and dangerous inside the penalty area.

With Victor Osimhen ruled out of the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau games through injury, Arokodare's ability to occupy defenders and create space for his teammates could prove valuable.

Arokodare's last appearance for Nigeria came against Jamaica in the 2026 Unity Cup in May. 

3. CyrielDessers

Dessers endured a difficult period after the thigh injury he sustained at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kept him out of action for much of the following season.

However, the Panathinaikos forward has returned to competitive football and is quietly putting himself back into the conversation.

Dessers scored the winning goal for Panathinaikos against CSKA Sofia in a UEFA Conference League qualifier in August.

With three goals in 11 appearances for Nigeria, he knows what it takes to be part of the Super Eagles set-up under a very demanding Eric Chelle.

Dessers' last appearance for the Super Eagles came in a 1-1 draw away to South Africa in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on September 9, 2025, in which he scored Nigeria's equaliser. 

4. BenjaminFredrick

Benjamin Fredrick could be considered the wildcard on this list because of his fitness issues.

The Brentford defender, who has recently returned to full training after a nine-month lay-off, is tipped for a possible return to the Super Eagles ahead of the September AFCON qualifiers.

As with the attack, Nigeria's defensive options have also been affected by injuries and availability issues, with Zaidu Sanusi a doubt for the upcoming fixtures.

Though Fredrick's recovery has been described by his club as a genuine boost for Eric Chelle, he needs a strong run of club performances to make him a serious option for the Super Eagles squad this window.

Fredrick last appeared for Nigeria in the World Cup qualifying play-off final against DR Congo in Rabat on November 16, 2025.

Meanwhile, Eric Chelle is expected to release the squad list any moment from now.

Italoye Ibukun