Head Coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a provisional 31-man list for Nigeria’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa next month, with captain William Troost-Ekong leading the charge.
The Franco-Malian tactician retained the bulk of his regulars, including first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfield generals Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, as well as attacking trio Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon.
Also making the cut are goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, alongside forwards Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella.
Several standout performers from Nigeria’s 2025 Unity Cup triumph in London have been rewarded with call-ups. Among them are young defender Benjamin Fredericks, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, midfielder Christantus Uche, and striker Cyriel Dessers.
There are also recalls for goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and forward Terem Moffi, as Chelle seeks to revive Nigeria’s shaky qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in their group with seven points from six games—managing just one win, three draws and suffering a shock defeat to Benin Republic. South Africa lead the standings with 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin are tied on eight apiece. Only the group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria will host Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Tuesday, September 9. The team’s camp opens in Uyo on September 1.
Chelle, under increasing scrutiny following Nigeria’s group-stage exit at the 2024 African Nations Championship, has opted for a heavily attacking selection. His squad features four goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and 11 forwards, highlighting his intent to go all out for maximum points.
Full provisional squad
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo, Ebenezer Harcourt
- Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks
- Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche
- Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams
