Eric Chelle Unveils Final 23-Man Nigeria Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against Rwanda and South Africa

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his final 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa. The selection reflects a thoughtful blend of experience and emerging talent, assembled with the aim of navigating the crucial fixtures ahead.

Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, and Adeleye Adebayo make up the shot-stoppers, with Nwabali retaining his spot despite fitness concerns. 

The defensive unit, anchored by captain William Troost-Ekong, features a robust lineup with Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, along with exciting newcomers Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks. 

Midfield consists of a strong mix of creativity and stability: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, and Christantus Uche. 

The forward line, brimming with firepower, includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare. 

Below is the full final 23-man squad:

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) 

Several notable players—such as Sadiq Umar, Victor Boniface, Adams Akor, Terem Moffi, and Nathan Tella—were omitted from the final roster despite initially being included in the provisional squad, highlighting the competitive nature of the selection process. 

This squad will assemble in Uyo ahead of their home encounter with Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, 6 September, before traveling to Bloemfontein for a high-stakes fixture against South Africa on Tuesday, 9 September.