Get Guardian on GoogleSuper Eagles Head Coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, has unveiled a 31-man provisional squad that mixes seasoned internationals with promising young talent ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the list alongside first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfield lynchpins Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and prolific striker Victor Osimhen. Also included are regular starters Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, and Simon Moses, ensuring continuity at the core of the squad.
Chelle has also handed opportunities to rising players such as goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Benjamin Fredericks, Felix Agu and Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Christantus Uche, and forward Cyriel Dessers. Their performances at the 2025 Unity Cup in London, where Nigeria lifted the trophy, appear to have convinced the coaching crew of their readiness.
Among those making a return are goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and striker Terem Moffi, whose international recall adds depth to the roster.
Nigeria, currently fourth in Group C, will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, 6 September, before traveling to Bloemfontein for a decisive clash against South Africa three days later. Both matches could prove pivotal in the Super Eagles’ push to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Super Eagles’ training camp will open in Uyo on 1 September, giving Chelle and his coaching team one week to fine-tune preparations.
31 SUPER EAGLES IN PROVISIONAL LIST FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA
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 (SK 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); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); 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); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Adams Akor (Sevilla FC, Spain)
