Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a 31-man provisional squad ahead of Nigeria’s critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes against Rwanda and South Africa in September.
The list features captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, along with key midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi. Forwards Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon are also included.
Emerging talents like goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, and midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru make the squad. Attackers Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella are set to compete for positions as well.
Additional 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, in two crucial qualifying matches. The team will begin preparations in Uyo on Monday, September 1.
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)
(Attackers and remaining midfielders can be added similarly if needed.)
