Ademola Lookman Included in Squad — ademola lookman Called Up for Antalya Tournament
ademola lookman has been named in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the end-of-March four-team tournament in Antalya, Turkey, joining a group that hands a first senior call-up to Rangers defender Manny Fernandez. Coach Eric Chelle announced the selection as part of preparations tied to the 2026 World Cup build-up. The mini-tournament will see matches on Friday evening, March 27, 2026 (ET) and Tuesday evening, March 31, 2026 (ET).
Ademola Lookman in Nigeria’s 23-man squad
Coach Eric Chelle finalized a 23-man roster that includes forwards, midfielders, defenders and three goalkeepers. The list features Ademola Lookman among the forwards, with Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo and Francis Uzoho named in goal. Notable absences from the squad are Victor Osimhen and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili, who were left out of the selection.
The Nigeria Football Federation framed the tournament as part of the federation’s broader technical development plans aimed at strengthening the national team ahead of global qualifiers. The four-team event will bring Nigeria into matches with Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, forming part of match preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Key squad details and first call-up for Manny Fernandez
Rangers defender Manny Fernandez receives his first Nigeria call-up after a breakthrough season at club level. Fernandez, who is eligible for Nigeria through his parents, has made 26 appearances and scored six goals in his first season following a summer transfer valued at £3 million from Peterborough United. His selection represents an effort by the coaching staff to introduce fresh faces into the squad during this preparation window.
Defensive options named include Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi and Igoh Ogbu, while midfield and forward picks carry experience from several European clubs. The full list mixes established internationals and players newly invited to the senior setup, reflecting Eric Chelle’s stated desire to broaden selection options for the Super Eagles.
Tournament move and schedule confirmed by JFA
The Jordanian Football Association (JFA) announced that the tournament originally scheduled for Amman has been moved to the Turkish city of Antalya due to the current situation in the Middle East and limited movement of people. The JFA statement explained: “The Jordanian Football Association has decided to move the matches of the four-team international friendly tournament, scheduled for March 2026, to be held in the Turkish city of Antalya, due to the current situation in the region and the limited movement of people. “
Match fixtures list Iran versus Nigeria on Friday evening, March 27, 2026 (ET), and Jordan versus Nigeria on Tuesday evening, March 31, 2026 (ET), with Jordan meeting Costa Rica and Iran facing Costa Rica on the same dates as part of the four-team schedule.
Separately, the national setup continues administrative work off the pitch: the federation has lodged a petition with FIFA concerning eligibility questions from the Inter-Continental World Cup playoff process, a matter the squad and technical staff will monitor as preparations continue.
Looking ahead, travel and final arrival times to Antalya will follow coordination between the Nigeria squad, clubs and the Nigeria Football Federation; the squad will be in place for the fixtures on March 27, 2026 (ET) and March 31, 2026 (ET). The inclusion of ademola lookman and the first call for Manny Fernandez will be focal points for the coaching staff as they evaluate options ahead of the next competitive window.
