SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman the highest-profile players invited.
Osimhen recently joined Galatasaray for a Turkish record €75 million transfer fee from Napoli and scored last weekend, while Lookman only resumed training few days ago at Atalanta following a standoff caused by his desire to leave for Inter Milan.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, as well as midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, have also been included in Chelle’s final list of 23 players for the key clashes.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also makes the final cut, just as defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Cyriel Dessers.
Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo returns to the group, alongside Unity Cup stars Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks, and forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who both impressed in the friendly with Russia in Moscow on June 6 this year.
The Super Eagles host the Amavubi of Rwanda in a Matchday 7 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on September 6 before flying to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 fixture three days later.
FINAL LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA AND SOUTH AFRICA
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Ola 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)