Football: Eric Chelle names strong 23-man final squad for CAF World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda, South Africa
by Devesh Jaganath | by Cydias Aujard
Super Eagles squad bursting with international talent
Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has announced the 23-man squad that will represent the national football team at the CAF World Cup qualifiers this month against Rwanda at home and South Africa on the road.
The Super Eagles have endured a difficult year, suffering a premature exit from the African Nations Championship last month, while their 2026 World Cup hopes are dwindling, with the side currently in fourth place in Group C.
Bafana Bafana currently lead the group with 13 points from their six matches, while Nigeria have just seven points so far, one fewer than both Amavumbi and Benin in second and third place, respectively.
With four games left to play, every fixture from here on is a must-win for Nigeria to have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup, and Chelle has left nothing to chance, announcing a squad dripping with talent that ply their trade in some of the best leagues across the globe.
Among the high-profile list of players set to feature are former African Footballers of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, as well as Premier League stars Alex Iwobi of Fulham and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina.
William Troost-Ekong will captain the team. The Super Eagles' first match this month will take place on September 6 against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, before heading to Bloemfontein to face Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, September 9.
Nigeria squad for World Cup qualifiers
Nigeria’s squad features a blend of youth and experience, though 15-year-old sensation Ebenezer Harcourt has not made the cut, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye set to serve as backup to Stanley Nwabali between the sticks.
Standout performers at the Unity Cup this year, Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredricks, have also been summoned by Chelle this month, so too have Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who impressed against Russia in June.
Super Eagles squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare
