Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced his final 23-man squad for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa next month.
While the list features familiar names, it also comes with surprising omissions. Bayer Leverkusen duo Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella have been left out, alongside Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali headlines the squad, with defensive stalwarts Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel making the cut. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka return, while the attack will be led by Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Cyriel Dessers.
Full 23-man squad:
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).
- Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).
- Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain).
- Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).
The Super Eagles will be hoping to secure maximum points in both fixtures as they continue their quest for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.