Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has left out in form striker Victor Osimhen and defender Ola Aina from his 23 man squad for this month’s international friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Turkey .
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi, playmaker Alex Iwobi and forward Ademola Lookman all made the list for the two matches, which will now be played in Antalya after being moved from Amman because of the conflict in the Middle East .
An official told NationSport that Osimhen, who is in excellent form for Galatasaray, and Nottingham Forest full back Aina both asked to be excused from the mini tournament for personal reasons .
Nigeria will face Iran on Friday, March 27, at 4 p.m. local time and then play Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, at 8 p.m., with both games taking place in Antalya .
The fixtures were originally scheduled for Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City but were relocated after the security situation in the region deteriorated .
Also called up by Chelle are goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, midfielder Frank Onyeka and forwards Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu .
Scotland based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez has earned his first senior call up, while Germany based forward Philip Otele and KRC Genk winger Collins Yira Sor, a former youth international, are also included .
Greece based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo returns to the squad after a spell out, giving Chelle three options in goal for the friendlies .
Full list of invited players
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho .
Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez .
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele Bashiru .
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Collins Yira Sor .
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