{"id":121721,"date":"2025-08-30T05:56:57","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T04:56:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=121721"},"modified":"2025-08-30T05:56:57","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T04:56:57","slug":"wcup-qualifiers-coach-chelle-unveils-eagles-23-man-squad-for-rwanda-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/wcup-qualifiers-coach-chelle-unveils-eagles-23-man-squad-for-rwanda-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"W\u2019Cup Qualifiers: Coach Chelle Unveils Eagles\u2019 23-Man Squad for Rwanda, South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Oscar Okhifo<\/div>\n
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Super Eagles head coach, \u00c9ric Chelle, has announced his final 23-man squad for next month\u2019s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, with a mix of experienced internationals and fresh talents making the cut.<\/div>\n
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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\u2019s qualification journey.<\/div>\n
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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.<\/div>\n
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Those listed as defenders are<\/div>\n
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).<\/div>\n
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Midfielders:<\/div>\n
Fulham\u2019s Alex Iwobi leads the midfield pack alongside Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Be\u015fikta\u015f, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), and Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain).<\/div>\n
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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).<\/div>\n
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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.<\/div>\n
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Coach Chelle, who described the squad as \u201cbalanced with experience and youthful energy,\u201d said his selections reflect both consistency and recent form.<\/div>\n
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He expressed confidence that the team has what it takes to secure maximum points in both encounters.<\/div>\n
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The inclusion of youngsters such as Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks underscores Chelle\u2019s commitment to blending youth with experience, following their impressive performances at the Unity Cup and recent international friendlies.<\/div>\n
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With Nigeria currently chasing top spot in Group C, the two fixtures are seen as must-win games for the Super Eagles\u2019 quest to return to the FIFA World Cup after missing the last edition in Qatar.<\/div>\n
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