Eric Chelle Unveils First-Ever Super Eagles Provisional Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, has unveiled a 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. This marks Chelle's inaugural squad selection since his appointment in January 2025. 

The squad features a blend of experience and fresh talent, with seven players earning their first national team call-ups. Notably, home-based talents such as Papa Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) and Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi (Rangers International) have been included, reflecting Chelle's commitment to recognizing domestic league performers. 

Veteran forward Ahmed Musa returns to the national setup for the first time since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing leadership and experience to the team. Other seasoned players like William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ola Aina also feature prominently in the squad. 

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, followed by a home fixture against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25. With three draws and a loss in their initial four matches, Nigeria's path to World Cup qualification is challenging. Securing maximum points in these upcoming fixtures is crucial to revitalize their campaign. 

Chelle is expected to trim the provisional list to a final 23-man squad next week, focusing first on the tie against Rwanda before returning home to face Zimbabwe. 

The full 39-man provisional squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)

Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)

Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)

Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Neon Paralimni, Cyprus)

Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

Defenders:

William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)

Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)

Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)

Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium)

Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International, Nigeria)

Midfielders:

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)

Alex Iwobi (Everton, England)

Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)

Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)

Oghenekaro Etebo (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece)

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Ishaq Rafiu (NK Maribor, Slovenia)

Papa Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)

Forwards:

Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy)

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)

Moses Simon (Nantes, France)

Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal, Spain)

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)

Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)

Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria)

Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)

Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)

Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)

Uche Christantus (Getafe, Spain)

Anthony Dennis (Goztepe, Turkey)

The Super Eagles aim to secure vital victories in these qualifiers to enhance their prospects of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.