Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has unveiled a 31-man provisional list for Nigeria’s must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
The squad is a blend of regulars, returning stars and fresh faces as the Eagles look to revive their campaign from fourth place in the group.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline the call-ups.
Osimhen, now at Galatasaray, is back but faces stiff competition with Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella and Sadiq Umar all named, giving Chelle one of the deepest attacking rosters in recent years.
Wilfred Ndidi returns from injury to join Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in a crowded midfield, while Alex Iwobi remains the creative hub and 19-year-old Christantus Uche earns a surprise invitation.
In defence, William Ekong, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey provide experience alongside Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, Benjamin Fredericks and a returning Chidozie Awaziem.
Concerns, however, linger over Osimhen’s fitness, while Ndidi’s move to Besiktas was shadowed by questions about his durability. Striker Victor Mbaoma, who impressed at the Unity Cup, misses out due to injury.
Nigeria host Rwanda on 6 September at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on 9 September.
With group leaders pulling away, Chelle knows that anything less than six points could push Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes to the brink.