Nigeria will host Madagascar on 25 September at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on 29 September. The Super Eagles will then face Russia in an international friendly on 6 October.
The AFCON qualifying squad contains 24 players, with established stars including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.
Chelle has also handed first senior invitations to several players, including goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena. Benjamin Fredricks and Olaoluwa Aina also return to the squad.
• Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali
• Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina
• Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika
• Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor
Separate squad selected for Russia
Chelle has opted for a different group for the Russia friendly, giving opportunities to a number of less-established players while retaining some experienced internationals.
Kelechi Iheanacho is among the notable additions, while Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Stanley Nwabali, Benjamin Fredricks, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Raphael Onyedika are also included.
• Goalkeepers: Chibuzor Atata, Samuel James, Stanley Nwabali
• Defenders: Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Victory Akpe, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Abdullahi Bewane
• Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Chibuzo Nwoko, Fumen Michael, Georges Wilfred, Popoola Abdulrasaq, Suleiman Mubarak, Jacob Adeoye, Raphael Onyedika
• Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho, Edokpolor Peter, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Umar Abubakar, Abdullahi Umar
The separate selections give Chelle an opportunity to manage his squad across the competitive AFCON qualifiers and the subsequent friendly, while also assessing additional players ahead of future international assignments.
Nigeria's immediate priority will be the two AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as the three-time African champions begin their campaign for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.