Chelle announce final squad for crucial World Cup Qualifiers
Head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes against Rwanda and South Africa.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the squad, which also includes key names like midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, as well as forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
In-form goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his place, joined by defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel in the backline.
The midfield department also features Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka, while attacking options are bolstered by Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Cyriel Dessers.
Greece-based shot-stopper Adebayo Adeleye returns to the fold, and Werder Bremen’s defender set for his potential competitive debut has also been handed a call-up.
Nigeria will first face Rwanda’s Amavubi on Saturday, 6th September at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for Matchday 7 action.
Three days later, the team travels to Bloemfontein to square off against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a vital Matchday 8 fixture on Tuesday, 9th September.
FULL LIST
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)