The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the final list of 23 players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali making the cut in spite of his injury.
Nwabali suffered an injury during Chippa United’s South African Premier Soccer League match against Richards Bay on Tuesday night, sparking concerns about his availability for the crucial qualifiers.
However, coach Eric Chelle has decided to take a chance on the 29-year-old goalkeeper’s fitness by including him in the final squad.
The team will face Rwanda on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before traveling to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa on September 9.
The squad includes several experienced players, such as midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Other notable players include defenders Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also makes the final cut, alongside Greece-based goalie Adeleye Adebayo.
The squad features some new faces, including Unity Cup sensations Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks, who have been impressive in their recent performances.
Forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who both impressed in the friendly with Russia in Moscow, also make the cut.
The final list of 23 players includes:
– Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, and Adeleye Adebayo
– Defenders: William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, and Benjamin Fredericks
– Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, and Christantus Uche
– Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare.
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