Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 35-man squad for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The list includes captain Ahmed Musa, assistant captain William Troost-Ekong, and new home-based players. Nigeria plays Rwanda on March 21 and Zimbabwe on March 25.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his provisional squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The list, featuring 35 players, includes a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents as the team prepares for crucial fixtures later this month.
Ahmed Musa, the team’s long-time captain, makes a return alongside assistant captain William Troost-Ekong and midfield playmaker Joe Aribo. The selection also introduces six new faces, with home-based stars Papa Mustapha, Kayode Bankole, and Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi earning their spots in the squad.
Chelle’s squad selection reflects his intent to balance experience with fresh energy as Nigeria aims to secure maximum points in their qualification campaign. The Super Eagles will first take on Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe on March 25.
Full Super Eagles Squad
Goalkeepers:Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Maduka Okoye (Udinese), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars), Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Neon Paralimni), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars).
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al Khalood), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Jordan Torunarigha (Gent), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers).
Midfielders:
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Alhassan Yusuf (New England), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Joseph Aribo (Southampton), Anthony Dennis (Goztepe), Christantus Uche (Getafe).
Forwards:
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Moses Simon (Nantes), Sadiq Umar (Valencia), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers), Tolu Arokodare (Genk), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Paul Onuachu (Southampton), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars), Akor Adams (Sevilla).
Chelle’s first squad list as Super Eagles coach sets the stage for an exciting start to his tenure, with fans eager to see how the team performs under his leadership.
