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By Oscar Okhifo
Super Eagles head coach, Éric Chelle, has announced his final 23-man squad for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, with a mix of experienced internationals and fresh talents making the cut.
The list released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards, carefully selected to deliver results in two crucial fixtures that could define Nigeria’s qualification journey.
The goalkeepers include Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), and Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece). Thos trio will compete for the number one spot.
Those listed as defenders are
Captain William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), and Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).
Midfielders:
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi leads the midfield pack alongside Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), and Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain).
The attacking line is spearheaded by Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who recently sealed a move to Galatasaray in Turkey. He is joined by Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland), and Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium).
Nigeria will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Tuesday, September 9.
Coach Chelle, who described the squad as “balanced with experience and youthful energy,” said his selections reflect both consistency and recent form.
He expressed confidence that the team has what it takes to secure maximum points in both encounters.
The inclusion of youngsters such as Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks underscores Chelle’s commitment to blending youth with experience, following their impressive performances at the Unity Cup and recent international friendlies.
With Nigeria currently chasing top spot in Group C, the two fixtures are seen as must-win games for the Super Eagles’ quest to return to the FIFA World Cup after missing the last edition in Qatar.