Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, has released a 31-man provisional squad blending experienced internationals with emerging young talent ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes against Rwanda and South Africa.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the list alongside first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfield generals Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and lethal striker Victor Osimhen. Also featuring are consistent starters Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, and Simon Moses, maintaining stability in the squad’s core.
Chelle has also handed opportunities to promising newcomers, including goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Benjamin Fredericks, Felix Agu, and Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Christantus Uche, and forward Cyriel Dessers. Their standout performances at the 2025 Unity Cup in London, where Nigeria clinched the trophy, appear to have impressed the coaching team.
Returning to the fold are goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and striker Terem Moffi, whose recall adds valuable depth to the roster.
Nigeria, currently sitting fourth in Group C, will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, September 6, before heading to Bloemfontein for a decisive showdown against South Africa three days later. Both fixtures are crucial for the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Super Eagles’ training camp will kick off in Uyo on September 1, giving Chelle and his coaching staff a week to fine-tune strategies ahead of the qualifiers.
31 SUPER EAGLES IN PROVISIONAL LIST FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting FC)
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); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); 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); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); 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); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Adams Akor (Sevilla FC, Spain)
