Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled the final 23-man Super Eagles squad for this month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, March 11, via the Super Eagles’ official social media channels, follows the trimming of the initial 39-man provisional squad. The final selection features three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and eight forwards, striking a balance between experience and form.
Star names headline the list, with Africa Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen leading the attacking line. Stanley Nwabali maintains his position as Nigeria’s number-one goalkeeper, while defensive regulars William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey also make the cut. Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka are among the midfielders set to play pivotal roles.
Among the notable inclusions are Genk forward Tolu Arokodare and former Enyimba goalkeeper Amas Obasogie. However, 16 players from the initial squad were dropped, including Southampton striker Paul Onuachu and Göztepe youngster Anthony Dennis. Despite his impressive display for Udinese on his return from injury, Maduka Okoye was not selected. Also missing from the final list are captain Ahmed Musa and Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers.
The Super Eagles will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25. With Nigeria enduring a disappointing start to the qualifiers—drawing three matches and suffering a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic—these two fixtures are must-win encounters.
Chelle, appointed in January, is the first non-Nigerian African to manage the Super Eagles and will be keen to turn the team’s fortunes around as they chase a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Final 23-Man Super Eagles Squad for Rwanda and Zimbabwe Matches
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
- Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders:
- William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
- Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
- Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
- Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)
- Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
Forwards:
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
- Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
- Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
