Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Four surprise names in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, on Monday, unveiled his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe set for later this month.

The Franco-Malian tactician had initially named a 39-man provisional last week, but this list is the final cut for the players who are to report to camp next week.

Coach Chelle ommitted some big names like Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, Cyriel dessers, and many others. Meanwhile, Kayode Bankole, Igoh Ogbu, Tolu Arokodare, and Papa Daniel Mustapha earned their maiden call-ups to the Super Eagles.

Some of these names are surprise additions. And in this piece, Soccernet.ng spotlights some of the surprise additions in the Super Eagles list.

1. Victor Boniface

Victor Boniface has had a tough start to the year at Bayer Leverkusen. He has lost his place in the starting eleven and has managed just two goals since the start of the year.

Also, he has been inefficient and ineffective whenever he has led Nigeria’s attack. As such, Chelle’s decision to pick him over Dessers, who has been involved in 13 goals since the start of the year is shocking. Moreover, Dessers has even scored for Nigeria on different occasions.

2. Igoh Ogbu

Ogbu’s inclusion in the Super Eagles squad comes as a surprise due to his inexperience in comparison to Gabriel Osho, who was left out. The defender has had an impressive season with Slavia Prague as they sit at the summit of the Czech Liga.

Nonetheless, he will look to make an impactful debut if he gets the chance.

3. Kayode Bankole

Bankole is another surprise addition to the list. The Remo Stars shotstopper has not made up to ten Nigeria Premier Football League appearances this season as he has been displaced by Benin goalie Adebiyi Obassa.

Maduka Okoye was initially in the 39-man provisional list, so it is surprising that Chelle dropped him for Bankole.

4. Papa Daniel Mustapha

Coach Eric Chelle had other top midfield options like Christantus Uche and Frank Onyeka, but Daniel Mustapha seems to have made the Super Eagles team just to add to the number of home-based talents on the team.

The Niger Tornadoes star has a nice left foot, but realistically, unless something major happens, he will only make the bench.