Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is set to unveil the final 23-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe today.
The squad announcement, eagerly anticipated by fans, will be made at 3:00 PM via the Super Eagles’ official social media platforms.
The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in their qualification group, having secured only three points from four matches. Their campaign so far includes draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, as well as a disappointing defeat to Benin Republic. With Nigeria’s World Cup hopes on the line, securing victories in the upcoming fixtures is vital.
Selection Decisions
Chelle initially named a 39-man provisional squad, blending experience with new faces. However, the final selection will be narrowed down to the best-performing players who can help the team turn their fortunes around.
Super Eagles lost to Rwanda in the AFCON qualifiers. (Photo Credits Imago)
The provisional squad includes:
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
- Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus)
- Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Defenders:
- William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)
- Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
- Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
- Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
- Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
- Jordan Torunarigha (Gent FC, Belgium)
- Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)
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Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy)
- Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
- Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
- Anthony Dennis (Goztepe SK, Turkey)
- Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
- Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards:
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)
- Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain)
- Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
- Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
- Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)
- Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England)
- Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars)
- Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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Preparing for the Challenge
As the team gears up for training camp next week, Chelle’s final squad selection will offer insights into his strategy for the crucial qualifiers.
