Super Eagles Coach announces 31-man squad for WC qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 31-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September

The list features captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, along with forwards Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.

Emerging talents such as goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, and midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have also been included. In attack, Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella are in contention for spots.

Other call-ups include defender Benjamin Fredericks, versatile full-back Felix Agu, centre-back Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Christantus Uche, and forward Cyriel Dessers, who impressed during Nigeria’s 2025 Unity Cup triumph in London.

Nigeria, currently fourth in Group C, will host Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, September 6, before facing South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9.

The Super Eagles will commence camp in Uyo on Monday, September 1, ahead of the two crucial matches.

Full Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting FC)

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), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), 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)