Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Announces 31-Man Provisional Squad For 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 31-man provisional squad ahead of Nigeria’s critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.

The squad is led by captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, alongside midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi. Attacking options include Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Sadiq Umar, and Nathan Tella.

Promising young talents such as goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, and midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have also been called up. Forward Cyriel Dessers, who impressed during Nigeria’s 2025 Unity Cup victory in London, earns another invitation.

Additional call-ups feature versatile defender Benjamin Fredericks, full-back Felix Agu, centre-back Igoh Ogbu, and midfielder Christantus Uche.

Nigeria, currently fourth in Group C, will host Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face long-time rivals South Africa on Tuesday, September 9. The team will open camp in Uyo on Monday, September 1, ahead of the two crucial matches.

Full Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting FC)

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), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), 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 (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Ajax, Netherlands), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hull City, England), Christantus Uche (unknown club)

Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Fulham FC, England), Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Nathan Tella (Southampton FC, England), Cyriel Dessers (unknown club)

The squad combines experience and emerging talent as Nigeria aims to secure vital points in its World Cup qualifying campaign.