Five players Eric Chelle could add to Nigeria squad for Tanzania qualifiers

Nigeria will resume their bid to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with two qualifying matches against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars next month, and a number of players have given head coach Eric Chelle further selection options.

Chelle handed first Nigeria call-ups to Isaac James, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor for the opening qualifiers against Madagascar’s Barea and Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus.

However, strong performances for their clubs since the beginning of the 2026/27 season could put five other players in contention for the Super Eagles squad to face Tanzania.

Gift Orban – Amedspor

Gift Orban has made an excellent start to his loan spell at Turkish Super Lig newcomers Amedspor, having joined from Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim in July 2026.

The 24-year-old striker has scored seven goals and supplied two assists in eight league appearances, making him one of the division’s most productive forwards.

His form earned him the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Month award for September after he scored a spectacular goal in Amedspor’s 3-2 home win against Besiktas.

Amedspor have won five, drawn two and lost one of the eight league matches in which Orban has played, underlining his importance to their strong start.

Rafiu Durosinmi – KRC Genk

Rafiu Durosinmi experienced a difficult six-month spell with Pisa before moving to Belgian club KRC Genk in July 2026.

The 23-year-old has quickly established himself in Belgium, scoring six goals in his first eight league appearances under manager Jess Thorup.

Those goals have made him the Smurfs’ leading scorer and placed him at the top of the Belgian Pro League scoring charts.

Durosinmi also scored in Genk’s 2-0 win over Excelsior Virton on 17 October 2026, a result which secured their place in the Round of 32 of the Belgian Cup.

Emmanuel Ayaosi – Slavia Prague

Emmanuel Ayaosi’s progress has been notable after he was playing for Dakkada FC in the Nigeria National League, NNL, only three years ago.

The 21-year-old winger moved to Slavia Prague from Czech second-tier club MFK Karvina in May 2026 and has since scored four league goals and provided one assist in 10 appearances.

Ayaosi added another assist in Slavia Prague’s 2-2 away draw against Fenerbahce on Tuesday.

Dapo Afolayan – Blackburn Rovers

London-born Dapo Afolayan, whose parents are Nigerian, is eligible to play for England but has recently said he would like to represent the Super Eagles.

The versatile forward has scored four goals and made two assists in 11 Sky Bet Championship appearances for Blackburn Rovers this season.

His performances also earned him a nomination for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award for September 2026.

Mubarak Suleiman – Slavia Prague

Mubarak Suleiman received his first Super Eagles call-up for last month’s international friendly against Russia but missed the match because of injury.

The 19-year-old strengthened his case for another opportunity with an impressive display in Slavia Prague’s 2-2 away draw at Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday 20 October 2026.

Alongside Ayaosi, he has become one of the Czech club’s attacking threats this season, recording one goal and one assist in six league appearances.