Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 35-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The squad blends experience with emerging talent as the team gears up for the crucial fixtures.
Key Returnees
Captain Ahmed Musa makes his return to the squad for the first time since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He will be joined by assistant captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Joe Aribo, who also return to the national team fold.
New Faces in the Squad
Chelle has introduced six new players, signaling a fresh blend of talent. The home-based players, including Papa Mustapha, Kayode Bankole, and Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi, have earned call-ups, reflecting the coach’s commitment to scouting and incorporating domestic talent into the squad.
Injury Concerns but Inclusive Selection
Despite some fitness concerns, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (ankle injury), Jerome Akor Adams, and Maduka Okoye—who has been absent from the squad since December—are still included in the squad.
Full Super Eagles Squad
Goalkeepers
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
- Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Neon Paralimni, Cyprus)
- Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders
- William Ekong (Al Khalood, Saudi Arabia)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
- Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)
- 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
- Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England, USA)
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
- Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
- Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton, England)
- Anthony Dennis (Goztepe, Turkey)
- Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Simon Moses (Nantes, France)
- Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
- Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
- Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
- Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
- Paul Onuachu (Southampton, England)
- Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria)
- Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)
Looking Ahead
With this provisional squad, Coach Chelle aims to balance the team’s core leadership with a mix of up-and-coming talent as they prepare to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The matchups against Rwanda and Zimbabwe will be critical in the Super Eagles' journey towards the global stage.
