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
See also Victor Boniface Jokes About Hanging Up Boots After Underwhelming Performance "The 24-year-old Super Eagles forward made the announcement after Nigeria's 1-1 draw against Russia in an international friendly match in Moscow on Friday" By Samuel Akpan Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface took to social media to announce his retirement from international football, only to delete the post minutes later and share a meme hinting it was all a joke. The 24-year-old Super Eagles forward made the announcement after Nigeria's 1-1 draw against Russia in an international friendly match in Moscow on Friday. In his Instagram post, Boniface expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for his country, saying, "Proud to play for my country and a dream for me also. Really enjoyed every moment, the good and the bad. Thanks a lot. "Thank you all. I don hang boot." However, fans were not convinced, given his history of social media jokes and lighthearted antics. The international friendly match between Russia and Nigeria ended in a 1-1 draw. Russia took the lead in the 27th minute when Semi Ajayi scored an own goal, deflecting a cross from Danil Krugovoy into the net. Despite dominating the game, Nigeria struggled to find the back of the net until Tolu Arokodare, who replaced Boniface in the 61st minute, scored the equalizer in the 71st minute. Arokodare's goal was a testament to his impact on the game, and it salvaged a draw for the Super Eagles. Nigeria's goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, also made crucial saves to prevent Russia from scoring further. The draw maintained Eric Chelle's unbeaten record as Super Eagles coach, with three wins and two draws so far. Boniface's performance against Russia was another underwhelming display, sparking criticism from fans and pundits. He failed to score or create significant chances, leading to his substitution in favour of Arokodare. Persecondnews notes that the striker has yet to score for the Super Eagles, despite playing 13 games for the national team.
– Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare.
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