Ahmed Musa Returns as Super Eagles Announce Provisional Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has been named in the team’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) unveiled the expansive 39-man list on Tuesday, marking the first selection under newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle.
Musa’s Comeback and Squad Dynamics
Musa, 32, is making a return to the national team fold nearly a year after his last call-up. The winger, who was part of Nigeria’s squad at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, did not feature in any of the tournament’s matches. His recall signals a blend of experience and fresh talent as the Eagles prepare for crucial qualification matches later this month.
Chelle, who took charge of the team in January, has opted for a mix of established stars, returning players, and fresh faces. Regulars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi headline the squad.
In addition, long-absent players like Jordan Torunarigha, Joe Aribo, Cyriel Dessers, and Nathan Tella make their way back into the team, while newcomers such as Tolu Arokodare, Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Akor Adams earn their first-ever call-ups.
The NFF has stated that the list will be pruned down to 23 players before the team faces Rwanda on March 21 and Zimbabwe on March 25 in their quest for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Full Provisional Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders:
William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece), Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Jordan Torunarigha (Gent FC, Belgium), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International, Nigeria)
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England), Anthony Dennis (Goztepe SK, Turkey), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
Forwards:
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy), Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria), Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
