The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the 23-man squad selected by head coach Éric Sékou Chelle for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. This will be Chelle’s first official assignment with the Super Eagles since his appointment, and expectations are high as he looks to turn Nigeria’s qualification campaign around.
Chelle Trims Squad, Drops 16 Players
After initially inviting 35 players to a provisional squad, Chelle has now narrowed it down to his final 23-man list. With the Super Eagles currently sitting in fifth place in Group C, the stakes are high, and Chelle has opted for a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents to get the job done.
The selected players have already received their travel arrangements and are expected to report to camp on March 17. The team will then fly directly to Kigali, Rwanda, where they will have at least three training sessions before facing group leaders Rwanda on March 21.
Following the match in Kigali, the Super Eagles will return to Nigeria for their second qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25.
Nigeria’s 23-Man Squad for the World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
- Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders:
- William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe 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, Nigeria)
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 (Genk, Belgium)
Can Chelle Lead the Super Eagles to Victory?
Nigeria faces a crucial test in these qualifiers, with Rwanda currently leading Group C. Chelle, who is taking charge for the first time, will need to ensure his team is well-prepared and motivated to secure maximum points from these two matches.
With a strong squad that includes the likes of Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi, Nigerian fans will be hopeful for a turnaround in their qualification campaign.
Can the Super Eagles soar to victory and get their World Cup qualification campaign back on track? March 21 and March 25 will provide the answers.
