What Convinced Eric Chelle to Include Mubarak Suleiman in Super Eagles Squad for Tanzania

According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Monday, November 9, 2026, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle was convinced to include Mubarak Suleiman in his squad to face Tanzania following the midfielder’s impressive performances for Slavia Prague in recent matches.

Suleiman’s inclusion came as a surprise, as the Czech Republic-based youngster was initially expected to represent Nigeria’s U-23 team in their upcoming qualifying fixtures against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The attacking midfielder was originally invited to the Olympic Eagles, while his Slavia Prague teammate, David Moses, was provisionally considered for the senior national team.

However, Chelle changed his plans after receiving positive reports from his scouting network about Suleiman’s performances, which reportedly impressed the Super Eagles technical crew.

The report revealed that the 19-year-old’s recent form, including five goal contributions in his last three matches, played a decisive role in his promotion from the U-23 setup to the senior team.

A source quoted in the report explained that Suleiman’s versatility was another important factor behind the decision, as he can operate on either flank and also play in midfield.

His ability to make dangerous attacking runs and contribute goals further strengthened his case for a place in the senior squad.

Interestingly, Suleiman’s rise also affected the plans to replace Samuel Chukwueze, who was unavailable for the November international window.

Philip Otele of FC Basel was initially considered the leading candidate to replace the injured winger.

However, Suleiman’s impressive performances over the following week changed the situation, eventually earning him a place in Chelle’s squad.

The youngster is among the notable inclusions in Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the double-header against Tanzania, alongside Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi and returning midfielder Samson Tijani.

Nigeria will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling for the return fixture on November 17.

The Super Eagles need positive results from both encounters to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON, having collected three points from their opening two matches.

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