Head Coach Eric Chelle has announced Nigeria’s final list of 23 Super Eagles players for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, midfield generals Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, alongside forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, headline the squad.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his place following his impressive international performances, joined by defenders Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka, as well as attacking options Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Cyriel Dessers.
Adeleye Adebayo, based in Greece, returns to the team, while emerging stars Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks who where standouts at the Unity Cup also make the cut. Rising forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who impressed in June’s friendly against Russia in Moscow, have also been included.
The Super Eagles will face the Amavubi of Rwanda in a Matchday 7 fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, 6th September, before traveling to Bloemfontein to confront South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 clash on Tuesday, 9th September.
Final List of 23 Super Eagles for Rwanda & South Africa
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); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
Notable Omissions
The final list sees the exclusion of several high-profile players, including Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Igoh Ogbu, Alhassan Yusuf, Umar Sadiq, Nathan Tella, Akor Adams, and Harcourt, as head coach Eric Chelle streamlines his squad selection.
While both matches are pivotal for Nigeria’s qualification hopes, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reaffirmed its commitment to providing the team with full support as the Super Eagles aim to secure maximum points in these crucial qualifiers.
Nigeria fight 💪💪💪
Nice selections