Coach Eric Chelle has unveiled Nigeria’s final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, confirming the inclusion of key figures such as captain William Ekong, forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika.
The announcement comes ahead of crucial fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa, set to test the Super Eagles’ resolve as they aim to secure qualification.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his spot, joined by fellow goalkeepers Amas Obasogie of Tanzania’s Singida Blackstars and Greece-based Adeleye Adebayo, who returns to the squad after a period of absence. Defenders Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are also included, adding international experience from England’s Fulham, Nottingham Forest, and Birmingham City respectively.
Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka provide stability and creativity, while forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Cyriel Dessers, Christantus Uche, and Tolu Arokodare bring a mix of pace, technique, and goal-scoring threat.
Notably, Unity Cup standouts Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks join the squad, rewarded for their recent performances in European leagues and during the friendly against Russia in June.
Coach Chelle described the squad as a balance of experience and youthful energy, saying, “We have selected players who understand the weight of representing Nigeria on the international stage. Every member of this squad has proven their quality and commitment, and we are ready to challenge Rwanda and South Africa with determination and tactical discipline.”
The Super Eagles will first host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, 6th September, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, 9th September. These matches form Matchday 7 and 8 of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, and the team aims to consolidate its position in Group H.
The final 23-man squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
Chelle and his squad now turn their focus to preparations, aiming to secure crucial points in both home and away fixtures as the Super Eagles pursue a return to the World Cup stage.