Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has unveiled his final 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
After naming a provisional 39-man list last week, the former Mali manager has trimmed his selection, leaving out some big names while bringing in some fresh faces in key positions.
Who Made The Cut?
As expected, Chelle has retained the core group that led Nigeria to the AFCON final last year. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and captain William Troost-Ekong all feature prominently, ensuring experience and leadership remain at the heart of the team.
These players will need to play a key role in turning around Nigeria’s sluggish start to World Cup qualification, with the Super Eagles needing maximum points from both matches to stay on course.
The finalised Super Eagles squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers! ????
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Thoughts? ? pic.twitter.com/IUbHPC2spz
Goalkeepers
One of the biggest talking points is the goalkeeping selection, with all three of Nigeria’s goalkeepers plying their trade on the African continent.
AFCON semi-final hero Stanley Nwabali, is expected to remain Nigeria’s first choice, while Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars) and Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) will provide competition. The inclusion of Bankole ensures an NPFL presence in the squad, reinforcing Chelle’s willingness to scout local talent.
Shoutout to Stanley Nwabali for his incredible performance yesterday! pic.twitter.com/rjHPsHsQe3
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Defence
At the back, there is a blend of experience and potential for Chelle to choose from. Troost-Ekong is joined by Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Olympiacos January signing Bruno Onyemaechi also make the cut, as does Igoh Ogbu, earning his first senior call-up after strong performances for Slavia Prague in the Czech league.
Midfield
Nigeria’s midfield boasts versatility, with Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo all included. Alex Iwobi is likely to play in a more advanced midfield role, while Papa Daniel Mustapha of Niger Tornadoes is a surprise name among the final selections. Mustapha is one of two NPFL players to make the squad and could earn his first cap during these qualifiers.
Attack
Chelle’s attacking selections suggest a preference for a dynamic, high-intensity forward line. Victor Osimhen remains the focal point, a relentless runner with elite finishing ability, perfectly suited to leading the line in a system that thrives on transitions. Surrounding him, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze points to wingers who can stretch the pitch, beat defenders in one-on-one situations, and provide service into the box.
Victor Osimhen's goal that sent the Super Eagles to AFCON 2025! ? ?? pic.twitter.com/I407YyvLwG
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Bayer Leverkusen pair Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface offer additional dimensions, Tella with his ability to drift between wide and central areas, and Boniface as a powerful forward capable of holding up play and linking attacks. Meanwhile, Tolu Arokodare’s presence shows Chelle values a physical, aerial threat, perhaps as an alternative game plan when facing deep defensive blocks.
Who Missed Out?
Despite being included in the provisional squad, Nigeria’s most capped player; veteran forward Ahmed Musa, has been left off of the final list. Kelechi Iheanacho and Southampton’s Paul Onuachu are also missing, while Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who was initially part of the 39-man squad, has also been dropped.
Cyril Dessers is another notable omission. The Rangers striker has been in fine form in Scotland, but Chelle has opted for Arokodare, whose performances for Genk as the top scorer in Belgium have caught the eye. Meanwhile, Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche and Goztepe’s Anthony Dennis, both of who were among the fresh faces in the provisional squad, have failed to make the final cut.
Predicted XI
With Chelle preparing for his first official matches in charge, all eyes will be on how he sets up the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s previous outings saw a mix of tactical setups, but Chelle’s selections hint at a team that will likely balance defensive solidity with quick attacking intent.
For the clash against Rwanda on 21 March, we think Nigeria will line up in a 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman
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