Meet the 3 New Super Eagles Stars Set for Their First Nigeria Call-Up

• George Ilenikhena, Isaac James and Moses Usor have earned their first Super Eagles invitations as Nigeria prepare for crucial 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles have unveiled three new faces ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures, with Al Ittihad forward George Ilenikhena, Alverca left-back Isaac James and LASK attacker Moses Usor receiving their first senior national team call-ups.

Head coach Eric Chelle named a 24-man squad on Thursday as Nigeria continue their Group L campaign.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Tanzania are also in the group.

The three newcomers have been handed an opportunity to make their mark at senior international level, with each arriving with a different background and set of experiences.

George Ilenikhena – Al Ittihad

Born in Lagos, Ilenikhena began his football journey in France with Amiens before moving to Belgium, where he joined Royal Antwerp.

His performances at Antwerp helped attract the attention of Monaco, and the young forward subsequently made the move to the French club.

Ilenikhena particularly caught the eye during his appearances in the UEFA Champions League, where his performances increased his profile at European level.

He joined Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad earlier this year. Although fitness problems initially limited his opportunities, the 20-year-old has enjoyed a much stronger start to the current campaign.

Ilenikhena has scored six goals and provided two assists in nine matches across all competitions this season, putting him firmly in contention for a place in Chelle’s attack.

The forward previously represented France at youth level but has committed his international future to Nigeria.

His invitation comes as the Super Eagles deal with fitness concerns surrounding established forwards Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu.

Ilenikhena will now hope to earn his first senior cap when Nigeria face Madagascar or Guinea-Bissau.

Isaac James – Alverca

Portuguese-based left-back Isaac James is another new addition to the Super Eagles squad.

The 22-year-old has been called up amid concerns over the availability of Zaidu Sanusi, leaving Chelle with fewer options at left-back.

James has impressed in the position for Alverca and will be looking to carry his club form into the national team setup.

His inclusion also extends beyond the September qualifiers, with the defender named in the squad for Nigeria’s friendly against Russia on October 6.

A strong performance in training and, if selected, in the upcoming matches could give James an opportunity to establish himself as another option for the Super Eagles.

Moses Usor – LASK

Moses Usor completes the trio of new invitees.

The 24-year-old forward enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Austrian club LASK, contributing to a highly successful season for the team.

LASK secured the Austrian league and cup double, while also achieving Champions League qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

Usor’s performances during the campaign helped put him on the radar of the Super Eagles coaching staff.

His first senior invitation now gives him the chance to compete for a place in Nigeria’s attack and potentially make his international debut during the upcoming fixtures.

With Nigeria preparing for two important qualifiers in quick succession, Ilenikhena, James and Usor will all be hoping to take advantage of their first opportunity with the senior national team.

For Chelle, the three call-ups provide additional options as the Super Eagles continue their campaign in Group L and look to strengthen their position in the race for AFCON qualification.