WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his first provisional squad list as he begins preparations for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports. Nigeria will take on Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later — two crucial matches as the Super Eagles look to revive their faltering qualification campaign. Appointed in January as the first non-Nigerian African to coach the Super Eagles, Chelle has largely kept faith with the core of the squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The 39-man squad comprises five goalkeepers, ten defenders, ten midfielders, and 14 attackers. Captain William Troost-Ekong, who won the Player of the Tournament award at AFCON, leads the defensive line alongside Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), and Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos). In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) returns to the fold alongside Alex Iwobi (Fulham) and Frank Onyeka (Augsburg). The attack is headlined by Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s second all-time top goalscorer currently on loan at Galatasaray, while Ademola Lookman — the reigning African Footballer of the Year — is also included. There are several new names and faces in the enlarged team list. Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu, Enugu Rangers strongman Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, CHAN Eagles star Papa Daniel Mustapha, Turkey-based Anthony Dennis and new Sevilla boys Akor Adams also make Chelle’s squad. Getafe youngster Christantus Uche and Genk forward Tolu Arokodare earn first time callups while there is a return to the national fold for captain Ahmed Musa, Nathan Tella, Paul Onuachu, Jordan Torunarigha and Cyriel Dessers. Roster for #2026WCQ vs Rwanda and Zimbabwe #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/rljpOZkyyd — Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 4, 2025 Goalkeepers Defenders Midfielders Forwards FULL SUPER EAGLES SQUAD LIST