The Super Eagles face a pivotal moment in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey as they prepare to take on Rwanda and South Africa.
Head Coach Eric Chelle has announced a 31-player provisional squad, underscoring the team’s commitment to securing all six points from these crucial matches.
Currently fourth in their qualifying group, Nigeria must perform with precision to remain in contention for a place at the World Cup.
Chelle’s selection reflects a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising young talents.
Experienced players like William Ekong, Stanley Nwabali, Olaoluwa Aina, and Victor Osimhen lead the charge.
Youthful players like Ebenezer Harcourt, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Bruno Onyemaechi bring fresh energy to the squad.
This mix is expected to provide the team with the balance needed to tackle the challenges ahead.
The stakes are high as Nigeria faces Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on September 6, followed by a potentially explosive encounter against South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 9.
These upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining Nigeria’s fate in the World Cup qualifiers.
The team’s camp will open in Uyo on September 1, giving the players a few days to prepare for the daunting tasks ahead.
The Squad:
Goalkeepers:
1. Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
2. Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
3. Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
4. Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting FC)
Defenders:
1. William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
2. Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
3. Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
4. Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
5. Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
6. Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
7. Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France)
8. Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany)
9. Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders:
1. Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
2. Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
3. Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
4. Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
5. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
6. Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
7. Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
Forwards:
1. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
2. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
3. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
4. Simon Moses (Paris FC, France)
5. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
6. Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
7. Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)
8. Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
9. Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
10. Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
11. Adams Akor (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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