Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has announced a final squad of 23 players for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The selection includes a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, all focused on strengthening Nigeria’s chances of securing a spot in the global tournament.
The goalkeeping department features Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United (South Africa) and Kayode Bankole from Remo Stars, both of whom have displayed impressive performances in their leagues.
In defence, the squad includes experienced figures like William Ekong of Al-Kholood FC (Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), and Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England).
Additional reinforcements come from Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), and Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), offering versatility in the backline.
The midfield is anchored by key playmakers Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England) and Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), both known for their tactical acumen.
They are joined by Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England).
In a notable inclusion, home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) makes the final list, highlighting Chelle’s trust in local talent.
The attack features an impressive lineup with Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey) and Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy) leading the charge.
Supporting them are Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain), and Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium), all bringing firepower to Nigeria’s frontline.
The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda, the current leaders of Group C, in a crucial away match on Friday, March 21, in Kigali.
Four days later, they will host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. These fixtures are pivotal in Nigeria’s quest to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
List Of 23 Super Eagles For Rwanda, Zimbabwe Games
Goalkeepers:
– Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
– Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
– Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Defenders:
– William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
– Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
– Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)
– Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
– Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
– Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
– Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
– Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
– Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
– Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
– Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
– Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards:
– Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
– Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
– Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
– Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)
– Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain)
– Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)