Super Eagles Squad for Tanzania Ties: Maduka Okoye and Kelechi Iheanacho Snubbed

The Nigerian Super Eagles have announced their squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Tanzania, and there are some notable absences. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and striker Kelechi Iheanacho, both in impressive form for their clubs, have been left out of the 24-man squad announced by coach Eric Chelle. According to Premium Times Nigeria, the decision to leave out Okoye, who has been a regular in goal for the Super Eagles, and Iheanacho, who has been in prolific form for his English Premier League side, has raised eyebrows. The report does not suggest a reason for their omission, but it is likely that Chelle is looking to try out other options ahead of the 2027 AFCON finals. The first leg of the qualifier is scheduled for November 12 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the return leg in Nigeria on November 16. The Super Eagles are currently top of their AFCON qualifying group with six points from two games. Their other qualifying fixtures are against Benin and Sierra Leone. The exclusion of Okoye and Iheanacho from the squad has sparked debate among Nigerian football fans, with some expressing concern about the team’s chances in the qualifiers without the duo.