Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has unveiled a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and William Ekong leading the charge.
Chelle’s squad features a blend of experience and emerging talents, including midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika, while Stanley Nwabali retains his spot as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper. Also making the final list are defenders Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, alongside newcomers Igoh Ogbu and home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha.
The Super Eagles will first battle Group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, March 21, before returning to Uyo to host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on March 25.
Final 23-Man Squad for Rwanda & Zimbabwe Matches
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
- Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria) Defenders:
- William 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 Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
- Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)
- Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
Forwards:
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)
- Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
- Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
With a mix of proven stars and fresh talent, the Super Eagles are set for an intense battle as they aim to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
