Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man squad for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa next month.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads a strong group that also includes midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, alongside in-form forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
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First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his place, supported by defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka feature, while attacking options include Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Cyriel Dessers.
Greece-based goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye makes a return, joined by Unity Cup standouts Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks. Forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare are also rewarded with call-ups after impressing in June’s friendly against Russia in Moscow.
Nigeria hosts Rwanda’s Amavubi in a Matchday 7 clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, 6 September, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 encounter on Tuesday, 9 September.
23-Man Squad For Rwanda and South Africa Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
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); 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 (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); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
