The Super Eagles of Nigeria have announced their final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Newly appointed head coach Éric Sékou Chelle faces a daunting task as Nigeria sits fifth in Group C after a disappointing start to the qualifiers.
The team will travel to Kigali to face group leaders Rwanda on March 21, before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25. With only three points from four matches, Nigeria must secure maximum points to revive their World Cup hopes.
Shocking Omissions and Fresh Inclusions
While the squad boasts star names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, notable absentees include Iheanacho, Dessers, Paul Onuachu, and Frank Onyeka.
In their place, Chelle has handed opportunities to Tolu Arokodare of KRC Genk and home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha from Niger Tornadoes. Czech Republic-based Igoh Ogbu also makes the cut as a defensive option.
With injury concerns and tactical adjustments influencing selection, Chelle has opted for a blend of European experience and domestic talent.
Full Squad List for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
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 SK (Turkey)
- Bruno Onyemaechi – Olympiacos FC (Greece)
- Calvin Bassey – Fulham FC (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 FC (England)
- Joseph Aribo – Southampton FC (England)
- Papa Daniel Mustapha – Niger Tornadoes (Nigeria)
Forwards:
- Samuel Chukwueze – AC Milan (Italy)
- Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray FC (Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman – Atalanta FC (Italy)
- Victor Boniface – Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
- Moses Simon – FC Nantes (France)
- Sadiq Umar – Valencia FC (Spain)
- Nathan Tella – Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
- Tolu Arokodare – KRC Genk (Belgium)
Nigeria’s Road to Redemption
The Super Eagles find themselves in a must-win situation, trailing behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho in the group standings. After a frustrating 1-1 draw against Lesotho and another stalemate against Zimbabwe, Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang in the balance.
Chelle’s appointment has brought a fresh tactical approach, but his selection decisions will be under scrutiny. Fans are eager to see how Osimhen, Boniface, and Lookman will lead the attack, while the midfield battle will rely on Ndidi, Iwobi, and Onyedika.
Key Fixtures and Expectations
- March 21, 2025 – Rwanda vs. Nigeria (Kigali)
- March 25, 2025 – Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe (Uyo)
With just six games left in the qualifiers, Chelle’s men cannot afford to drop points. This squad is expected to deliver, now when it matters most, or else, Nigeria’s World Cup dream will suffer another blow, missing out twice in a row.
