Nigeria’s Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has unveiled a provisional 31-man squad ahead of next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa.
The list features a blend of established stars, returning internationals, and new faces, as Chelle looks to revive Nigeria’s qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in their group and must secure vital points to keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive.
Leading the squad is team captain William Troost-Ekong, joined by first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defensive stalwarts Olaoluwa Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfield generals Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, and attacking spearheads Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon.
Several younger players have also been handed opportunities to prove themselves. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, and midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru all made the cut. In attack, Real Sociedad’s Sadiq Umar and Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella have been included.
Notably, Chelle has rewarded impressive performers from Nigeria’s victorious 2025 Unity Cup campaign in London. Young defender Benjamin Fredericks, versatile full-back Felix Agu, centre-back Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Christantus Uche, and Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers have all been called up following standout displays.
There are also recalls for goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and forward Terem Moffi, who all return to the squad after periods of absence.
Nigeria will open camp in Uyo on Monday, September 1, ahead of the must-win fixtures. The Super Eagles first host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before traveling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa in a high-stakes clash on Tuesday, September 9.
The fixtures could prove decisive in shaping Nigeria’s qualification journey, as the team aims to bounce back from recent disappointments and reignite belief among their passionate fanbase.
FULL 31-MAN PROVISIONAL LIST
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting FC)
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (Nice, France); Adams Akor (Sevilla, Spain)
