Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his first squad selection ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Chelle, who took charge in January, was appointed following months of uncertainty after Finidi George resigned from the role in June 2024. The upcoming fixtures will mark his first competitive games as Nigeria’s head coach.
The Super Eagles will face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in matchdays five and six of the qualifiers as they aim to secure a spot at the global tournament.
Chelle’s squad selection is expected to set the tone for his tenure and determine Nigeria’s prospects in the qualification campaign.
Full list of invited players
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) Defenders:
William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Jordan Torunarigha (Gent FC, Belgium); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Anthony Dennis (Goztepe SK, Turkey); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England); Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain).
Nigeria will face the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21 before returning home to host the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Super Eagles drew 1-1 against Zimbabwe in Harare on matchday two, and are yet to face Rwanda in the World Cup qualifiers, but lost against the Wasps in the final game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
