Super Eagles Head Coach Unveils Final 23-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has officially announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to take place later this month. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the final selection on Tuesday, a week after releasing a provisional 39-man list.
One of the biggest talking points from the announcement is the exclusion of Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa. The veteran forward was surprisingly included in the initial squad despite his last appearance for Nigeria being at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, where he did not play a single minute.
The final squad is packed with experience and firepower, with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, and Nantes winger Moses Simon spearheading the attack.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Raphael Onyedika bring stability and creativity, while the defensive lineup features William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina, among others.
A notable highlight is the return of Nathan Tella and Joe Aribo, both making their way back into the national team fold after extended absences. Additionally, three players — Tolu Arokodare, Igoh Ogbu, and Papa Mustapha — have received their first-ever call-ups to the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles will first face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25. These matches mark the beginning of Chelle’s tenure as head coach, following his appointment in January.
Nigeria is in dire need of victories, having gone winless in their last four World Cup qualifier games. With one loss and three draws, the team currently sits in fifth place in Group C, making these upcoming fixtures critical for their chances of securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey),Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:, Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany) Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
With the stakes high and a new coach at the helm, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles as they look to turn their World Cup qualification campaign around.
