Nigeria continue their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a double-header against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars next month, and five players have strengthened their case for inclusion in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad.

Chelle handed maiden international call-ups to Isaac James, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor for Nigeria’s opening qualifiers against Madagascar’s Barea and Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus.

However, a number of players have impressed for their clubs since the beginning of the 2026/27 season. Here are five who could come into contention for the matches against Tanzania.

Gift Orban – Amedspor

Gift Orban has made an excellent start to his loan spell at Turkish Super Lig newcomers Amedspor, having joined from Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim in July 2026.

The 24-year-old striker has scored seven goals and supplied two assists in eight league appearances, making him one of the division’s leading forwards.

He was rewarded with the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Month prize for September after scoring a spectacular goal in Amedspor’s 3-2 home win over Besiktas.

Amedspor have won five, drawn two and lost one of the eight league matches in which Orban has played, underlining his influence on their strong start.

Rafiu Durosinmi – KRC Genk

Rafiu Durosinmi endured a difficult six-month spell with Italian club Pisa before moving to Belgian side KRC Genk in July 2026.

The 23-year-old has quickly established himself in Belgium, scoring six goals in his first eight league appearances under manager Jess Thorup. That return has made him the Smurfs’ top scorer and placed him at the summit of the Belgian Pro League scoring charts.

Durosinmi also scored in Genk’s 2-0 victory over Excelsior Virton on 17 October 2026, a result which secured their place in the Round of 32 of the Belgian Cup.

Emmanuel Ayaosi – Slavia Prague

Ayaosi’s progress has been rapid. The 21-year-old winger was playing for Dakkada FC in the Nigeria National League, NNL, only three years ago.

He moved to Slavia Prague from Czech second-tier club MFK Karvina in May 2026 and has since scored four league goals and provided one assist in 10 appearances.

Ayaosi was also involved in Slavia Prague’s 2-2 away draw against Fenerbahce on Tuesday, supplying an assist.

Dapo Afolayan – Blackburn Rovers

Born in London, England, to Nigerian parents, Dapo Afolayan is eligible to play for England but has recently indicated that he wants to represent the Super Eagles.

The versatile forward has scored four goals and added two assists in 11 Sky Bet Championship appearances for Blackburn Rovers this season.

His form earned him a nomination for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award for September 2026.

Mubarak Suleiman – Slavia Prague

Mubarak Suleiman received his first Super Eagles call-up for last month’s international friendly against Russia but missed the fixture because of injury.

The 19-year-old strengthened his claim for another opportunity with an impressive display in Slavia Prague’s 2-2 Champions League draw away to Fenerbahce on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

Alongside Ayaosi, Suleiman has become one of Slavia Prague’s attacking threats this season, recording one goal and one assist in six league appearances.