Eric Chelle, the new head coach of the Super Eagles, has unveiled his first provisional squad, consisting of 39 players, ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The squad sees the return of captain Ahmed Musa, who is joined by assistant captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Joe Aribo.
Notably, Chelle has introduced six new faces to the squad, striking a balance between experienced players and fresh talent. Home-based stars Papa Mustapha, Kayode Bankole, and Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi have also received call-ups, highlighting Chelle’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
The Super Eagles will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe on March 25. These matches will be pivotal in determining Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Some of the other notable players included in the squad are:
– Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Kayode Bankole
– Defenders: William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Calvin Bassey
– Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Alex Iwobi
– Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze
With a mix of experienced players and new talent, the Super Eagles are poised to make a strong push for World Cup qualification.
Full Super Eagles Squad:
GOALKEEPERS
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Neon Paralimni, Cyprus), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).
DEFENDERS
William Troost-Ekong (Al Khalood, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria).
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England, USA), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany), Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton, England), Anthony Dennis (Goztepe, Turkey), Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain).
FORWARDS
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Moses Simon (Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Southampton, England), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain).
