HEAD Coach, Eric Chelle has announced a provisional 31-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa in September, with captain William Troost-Ekong leading an experienced and youthful blend of Super Eagles stars.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports the Franco-Malian tactician retained several of his trusted regulars, including first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, as well as forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon.
Emerging talents and returning faces were also given opportunities, signaling Chelle’s intent to revamp the squad after a disappointing qualification campaign so far.
Young Sporting FC goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt and defender Benjamin Fredericks received call-ups, alongside Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, Christantus Uche, and striker Cyriel Dessers, all of whom impressed at the 2025 Unity Cup Tournament in London, which Nigeria won.
The squad also sees the return of goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and forward Terem Moffi, as Chelle seeks to balance experience with form players.
The Super Eagles are currently fourth in their qualifying group, with just seven points from six matches, a record that includes one win, three draws, and a shock defeat to Benin Republic.
South Africa top the group with 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin have eight each, leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb.
Only the group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This means Nigeria must win their remaining fixtures and hope for slip-ups from rivals.
Chelle, who has come under intense pressure following Nigeria’s early exit at the 2024 African Nations Championship in Tanzania, admitted the coming games will be defining.
The Eagles will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before flying to Bloemfontein for a crunch clash against South Africa on Tuesday, September 9.
Nigeria’s training camp officially opens in Uyo on Monday, September 1.
Chelle’s 31-Man Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo, Ebenezer Harcourt
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams
With four games left in the qualifying series, the Super Eagles must deliver maximum points to keep their World Cup dream alive.