Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 25-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The list features a mix of experienced internationals and promising home-based players, as Nigeria looks to secure crucial victories on the road to the World Cup.
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al Khaleej, Saudi Arabia)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Turkey)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium)
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
Joseph Aribo (Southampton, England)
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
Forwards:
Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)
Chidera Ejuke (Antalyaspor, Turkey)
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
Key Highlights of the Squad:
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his place following his impressive performances at the 2024 AFCON.
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most-capped player, is absent from the final squad despite being on the provisional list.
The inclusion of home-based players such as Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers), and Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) highlights Chelle’s intent to integrate local talents.
The Super Eagles will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, followed by a home clash against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25. These matches are crucial as Nigeria aims to secure an early advantage in the qualifiers.
Chelle’s squad selection reflects a strategic balance of experience and youth, as the team looks to build momentum on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
