Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has announced his first provisional squad as Nigeria prepares for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later this month,
The Super Eagles will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25—two must-win fixtures as they look to get their qualification campaign back on track.
Appointed in January as the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles, Chelle has largely retained the core squad that finished as runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His 39-man list includes five goalkeepers, ten defenders, ten midfielders, and 14 attackers.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, who was named Player of the Tournament at AFCON, anchors the defense alongside Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), and Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos).
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) returns to the squad after missing AFCON due to injury, joining Alex Iwobi (Fulham) and Frank Onyeka (Augsburg).
Up front, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, spearheads the attack, while Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, is also included.
Chelle has also introduced fresh talent to the squad. Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu, Enugu Rangers’ Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, CHAN Eagles standout Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Turkey-based Anthony Dennis all make their first appearances. Sevilla forward Akor Adams, Getafe’s Christantus Uche, and Genk striker Tolu Arokodare also earn their first call-ups.
There’s also a recall for several experienced players, including captain Ahmed Musa, Nathan Tella, Paul Onuachu, Jordan Torunarigha, and Cyriel Dessers, as Chelle looks to blend youth with experience.
With Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Chelle’s selections as he aims to kick off his tenure with positive results.
