The attacking statistics of Nigeria’s invited and omitted forwards have provided an intriguing talking point ahead of the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter against Tanzania, with players left out of Eric Chelle’s squad boasting a superior goal return this season.
Chelle has selected Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor among his attacking options for the double-header against the Taifa Stars.
However, the omission of Kelechi Iheanacho, George Ilenikhena and Gift Orban has attracted attention, particularly given their impressive scoring records at club level during the 2026/2027 campaign.
A comparison of the supplied statistics across all competitions shows that the three omitted forwards have collectively scored 32 goals and provided three assists in 33 appearances. In contrast, the six invited attackers have registered 24 goals and seven assists in 72 appearances.
The figures mean the omitted trio have scored eight more goals despite making 39 fewer appearances than their invited counterparts.
Invited Forwards: 24 Goals, Seven Assists
Tolu Arokodare leads the invited group with 13 goals in 17 appearances for Ajax across all competitions this season.
The striker’s impressive scoring return makes him one of the most productive attacking options in Chelle’s squad.
Moses Usor has also contributed significantly, recording four goals and four assists in 15 appearances for LASK Linz. His eight goal contributions offer another attacking dimension to the Nigerian setup.
Akor Adams has registered four goals and one assist in 11 appearances for Venezia, while Taiwo Awoniyi has contributed two goals and one assist in 10 appearances for Coventry City.
Ademola Lookman has scored once in 11 appearances for Atletico Madrid, while Moses Simon is yet to find the net in eight appearances for Paris FC but has provided one assist.
Together, the six invited forwards have recorded 24 goals and seven assists in 72 appearances.
Omitted Trio: 32 Goals, Three Assists
Among the forwards left out of the squad, Kelechi Iheanacho has the highest individual goal return, scoring 16 goals in 13 appearances for Bursaspor in the Turkish 1. Lig.
The former Leicester City and Sevilla striker has enjoyed a productive campaign in Turkey, with his scoring form making his omission one of the major talking points surrounding Chelle’s selection.
Gift Orban has also maintained an impressive scoring record, registering 10 goals in 11 appearances for Amedspor.
George Ilenikhena completes the trio with six goals and three assists in nine appearances for Al-Ittihad.
The young forward’s nine goal contributions in nine matches underline his attacking productivity and add to the debate about the depth of Nigeria’s striking options.
Collectively, the three omitted players have accumulated 32 goals and three assists in just 33 appearances.
What the Numbers Reveal
The statistical comparison highlights the contrasting attacking returns between the two groups.
The omitted trio have scored eight more goals than the six invited forwards despite playing 39 fewer matches. However, the selected attackers have recorded seven assists against three from the omitted players.
Iheanacho leads the overall scoring chart with 16 goals, followed by Arokodare with 13. Orban has 10 goals, while Ilenikhena has six.
Although the figures cover different leagues, competitions and playing roles, they provide an interesting basis for examining the competition for attacking positions in the Super Eagles.
Victor Osimhen is also absent from the squad, but his situation is different. The Galatasaray striker’s absence is injury-related and should not be considered part of the technical selection debate. He has recorded 10 goals and three assists in 11 appearances this season.
Chelle’s Attack Faces the Taifa Stars
Despite the debate surrounding the omissions, Chelle has several attacking alternatives available as Nigeria prepare for the Tanzania encounter.
Lookman offers creativity and attacking versatility, Simon brings experience and pace from the flanks, while Adams, Awoniyi and Arokodare provide different qualities in central attacking positions. Usor also offers another option in the forward line.
The Super Eagles will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.
With qualification points at stake, Nigeria will be expected to make the most of their attacking opportunities against the Taifa Stars.
While the club statistics of Iheanacho, Ilenikhena and Orban have generated questions about their omissions, however squad selection involves more than goals and assists.
Tactical suitability, fitness, positional balance and the coach’s preferred playing system also influence such decisions.
Ultimately, Chelle’s selection will be judged by the performances and results delivered by his players.
With Osimhen unavailable through injury, the responsibility now rests on the selected attackers to provide the goals Nigeria need.
The debate over the omitted trio may continue, but the immediate challenge for the Super Eagles is to turn their attacking potential into results against Tanzania.
