Nigeria’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to enter a decisive stage during this international break, with the Super Eagles set to take on Rwanda and table-toppers South Africa in back-to-back qualifiers.
The pressure is on for Eric Chelle and his squad, with Nigeria currently sitting fourth in Group C with seven points from six games, leaving them one point adrift of the top two and six behind leaders South Africa, while there is only four games remaining to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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The Nigerian Football Federation have announced the squad list for these crucial clashes, and in this article, we will be breaking down who made the cut, the surprise omissions and the fresh faces looking to make their mark.
The Squad
Stanley Nwabali looks set to keep his place between the sticks for the Super Eagles, named in the squad alongside Obasogie Amas and Adebayo Adeleye as part of the three goalkeeping options.
Captain William Troost-Ekong has also been included in the squad once again, with similar defensive options all also included, with Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem and Felix Agu. Youngster Benjamin Frederick, currently playing for FCV Dender EH in Beligum, has also received his first call up to the national team.
The midfield also consists of several familiar faces, with Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Rapheal Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Wilfred Ndidi and Christantus Uche all included in the squad.
In attack, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen unsurprisingly make the squad, and the Super Eagles will certainly rely on the duo’s excellence to get them over the line and into the 2026 World Cup.
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The pair are joined by Tolu Arokodare and Samuel Chukwueze, who secured moves to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham respectively this summer, as well as Cyriel Dessers and Moses Simon, who both also moved clubs during the transfer window.
The squad means the likes of Nathan Tella, Terem Moffi and Victor Boniface all miss out for the Super Eagles, with other attacking options preferred.
Goalkeepers – Stanley Nwabali, Obasogie Amas, Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders – William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Frederick, Felix Agu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, Bruno Onyemaechi, Ola Aina
Midfielders – Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Rapheal Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Wilfred Ndidi, Christantus Uche
Forwards – Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze
1 Comment
by Mc
The team is ok, I wish them the best of luck