Nigeria’s Super Eagles have announced their final 23-man squad for next month’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen and Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman are joined by first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali on the roster.
The squad, released by the Nigeria Football Federation, confirms head coach Eric Chelle’s selections as the three-time African champions prepare for two must-win fixtures.
Nigeria face Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday 6 September, before travelling to Bloemfontein for a clash against Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Tuesday 9 September.
Nwabali, who rose to prominence with his commanding performances at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, retains his place as the mainstay between the sticks. That is despite worries of cupping an injury during a league match with Chippa United. The former Lobi Stars goalie is backed by Amas Obasogie of Singida Blackstars and Adebayo Adeleye of Greek side Volos FC.
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In defence, captain William Troost-Ekong leads a familiar backline that includes Premier League duo Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi. Youngster Benjamin Fredrick, currently plying his trade in Belgium, is among the fresh inclusions.
The midfield boasts a blend of experience and dynamism. Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka provide Premier League pedigree, while Wilfred Ndidi – now with Besiktas – adds steel and tactical nous.
Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika complete a strong engine room, supported by Christantus Uche of Getafe.
Up front, the Super Eagles’ attacking options remain formidable. Galatasaray striker Osimhen headlines the list, with Atalanta’s Lookman and AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze providing pace and creativity from wide areas. Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare add further depth.
Nigeria enter these fixtures under pressure, sitting six points adrift of Group C leaders South Africa.
With just one automatic qualification spot on offer, Chelle’s men cannot afford any slip-ups. The stakes are particularly high given that the Super Eagles missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a painful playoff defeat to Ghana.
OFFICIAL: FINAL LIST OF 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).