Nigeria have unveiled their 23-man squad for September’s crunch World Cup qualifiers, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Cyriel Dessers among the headline names, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles host Rwanda in Uyo on 6 September before facing South Africa three days later in Bloemfontein. Both fixtures carry huge significance as Nigeria aim to claw back ground in Group C, where they trail leaders South Africa by six points. Only the group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup.
Nwabali, who earned nationwide acclaim for his displays at the Africa Cup of Nations, retains the number one jersey and will be supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye.
Defensively, captain William Troost-Ekong is joined by Premier League pair Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi also make the cut. Rising talent Benjamin Fredrick, who has been impressing in Belgium, is a notable inclusion.
Midfield selections combine experience and youth. Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Wilfred Ndidi form the established core, while Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika strengthen options in central areas. Getafe’s Christantus Uche also earns a spot after a strong start to the La Liga season.
The attack remains packed with firepower. Osimhen is joined by Lookman and AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, with Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare providing further depth in forward positions.
Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface misses out days after seeing a move to AC Milan collapse in the final stages.
FULL LIST: 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).
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); 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); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).