Nigeria’s bid for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues as head coach Éric Chelle has named a 31-man provisional squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
The Super Eagles will host Rwanda on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, before traveling to Johannesburg on September 9 to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who currently lead the group.
Nigeria sits fourth in the standings with seven points from six games, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance. Having failed to reach the 2022 World Cup, the Eagles must secure positive results in these fixtures to keep their chances alive.
The squad is dominated by foreign-based stars, with a handful of local league players included: Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo, Ebenezer Harcourt.
Defenders include William Troost-Ekong (captain), Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks.
Midfielders are Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche.
Forwards remain Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Tolu Arokodare, Adams Akor.
The Super Eagles will open camp in Uyo on Monday, September 1, ahead of the double-header.
