Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled his inaugural squad ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The 39-man preliminary list reflects a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, signaling Chelle’s intent to rejuvenate the national team.
Leading the attack is Victor Osimhen, who has been in prolific form for Galatasaray FC in Turkey. Joining him are Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, both of whom have been making waves in their respective leagues. The midfield is bolstered by Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, bringing a wealth of Premier League experience to the squad.
Notably, Chelle has extended invitations to four players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), emphasizing his commitment to integrating domestic talent.
Veteran forward Ahmed Musa, currently with Kano Pillars, returns to the fold, bringing leadership and experience. Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole also earns a call-up, reflecting the coach’s confidence in local prospects.
The defense sees a mix of familiar faces and new inclusions. William Troost-Ekong of Al-Kholood FC and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey are set to marshal the backline. Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahce and Bruno Onyemaechi of Olympiacos add versatility and depth to the defensive unit.
Alongside Ndidi and Iwobi, the midfield features Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and New England Revolution’s Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, both eager to make their mark on the international stage. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Lazio and Augsburg’s Frank Onyeka provide additional options in the center of the park.
Beyond Osimhen, Boniface, and Lookman, the attacking lineup includes Kelechi Iheanacho of Middlesbrough, Moses Simon from FC Nantes, and Valencia’s Sadiq Umar, offering Chelle a variety of tactical choices. Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers and Genk’s Tolu Arokodare are also in contention, showcasing the depth of Nigeria’s offensive arsenal.
Eric Chelle, appointed in January 2025, brings a fresh perspective to the Super Eagles. His previous tenure with the Mali national team saw them reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting his tactical acumen. Chelle’s approach emphasizes strong aerial ability and defensive solidity, attributes he aims to instill in the Nigerian squad.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign resumes with an away fixture against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21, followed by a home game against Zimbabwe at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The Super Eagles currently trail Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin in Group C, making these fixtures pivotal for their qualification hopes.
Chelle’s squad selection reflects a strategic blend of experience and youth, aiming to revitalize Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how this new-look Super Eagles perform under Chelle’s stewardship in the upcoming qualifiers.
The full list is below, as well as the fixtures:
WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
PROVISIONAL LIST
GOALKEEPERS
Stanley Nwabali
Maduka Okoye
Amas Obasogie
Adeleye Adebayo
Kayode Bankole
DEFENDERS
William Ekong
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Bruno Onyemaechi
Gabriel Osho
Calvin Bassey
Olaoluwa Aina
Zaidu Sanusi
Igo Ogbu
Jordan Torunarigha
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi
MIDFIELDERS
Wilfred Ndidi
Raphael Onyedika
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Frank Onyeka
Alex Iwobi
Joseph Ayodele-Aribo
Anthony Dennis
Chrisantus Uche
Papa Daniel Mustapha
FORWARDS
Samuel Chukwueze
Victor Osimhen
Ademola Lookman
Kelechi Iheanacho
Victor Boniface
Simon Moses
Sadiq Umar
Nathan Tella
Cyriel Dessers
Tolu Arokodare
Chidera Ejuke
Paul Onuachu
Ahmed Musa
Akor Adams
MATCHES
Rwanda vs Nigeria – 21 March 2025, 17:00
Nigeria vs Zimbabwe – 25 March 2025, 17:00
