Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has unveiled a strong 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The list features a mix of experienced stars and fresh faces, with top names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and William Troost-Ekong set to spearhead Nigeria’s campaign.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali, Kayode Bankole, and Amas Obasogie will be vying for the starting spot. Defensive stalwarts Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are among the trusted names, while the midfield sees Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika providing the creative spark and stability.
The attack is packed with firepower, led by Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, alongside Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze. Rising talents like Tolu Arokodare and Nathan Tella also made the cut.
A notable inclusion is Czech Republic-based defender Igoh Ogbu, while homegrown talent Papa Daniel Mustapha earns a call-up to bolster the midfield.
Nigeria will first take on Group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25. With a mix of European-based stars and local talents, the Super Eagles are aiming for a flying start on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Joe Aribo (Southampton, England), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
The countdown is on! Can the Super Eagles soar past Rwanda and Zimbabwe to take charge of Group C? Fans will be watching closely as Nigeria embarks on its journey to the 2026 World Cup.
