Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his final 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, with captain William Troost-Ekong and star striker Victor Osimhen headlining the list.
The Nigerian side will host the Amavubi of Rwanda in a Matchday 7 clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before traveling to Bloemfontein to face Bafana Bafana of South Africa three days later.
Among the notable inclusions are Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan, and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi. Midfield enforcers Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka also make the cut, alongside emerging talents such as Christantus Uche (Getafe CF) and Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC).
The goalkeeping department features Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars), and Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC).
Chelle’s defensive options include Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, and Fredericks, with Ekong returning to marshal the backline.
Forwards Osimhen, Lookman, Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Simon Moses, and Tolu Arokodare are expected to provide attacking firepower.
The Super Eagles are currently locked in a tight race for qualification, with the two fixtures seen as crucial to securing their spot at the 2026 World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
