Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 31-man provisional squad as Nigeria gears up for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, with a view to reviving its qualification hopes.
The squad blends experience with fresh energy. Leading the veterans are captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfield anchors Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and attacking threats Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Simon Moses.
Young prospects earning inclusion include goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Benjamin Fredericks, Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Christantus Uche, and forward Cyriel Dessersbwhose strong showings at the 2025 Unity Cup evidently caught the coaching staff’s attention.
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The Super Eagles will host Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday 6 September, then travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Tuesday 9 September matches that are vital for Nigeria’s progression in Group C .
Editorial
We believe Coach Chelle’s squad selection reflects a pivotal moment for the Super Eagles balancing trusted performers with emerging faces is exactly the blend needed at this stage of the qualification campaign. The inclusion of seasoned talent like Osimhen and Ndidi brings stability, while newcomers such as Harcourt and Dessers inject much-needed vitality.
We see in this squad the embodiment of progress: unity forged from diversity, resilience arising from competition. The September fixtures are not just another stop on the calendar—they are crossroads where ambition must align with execution.
Nigeria’s path to the World Cup demands focus, adaptability, and belief. With four matches to navigate and only top spots securing automatic qualification, there is no room for uncertainty. Chelle’s choices offer both readiness and resolve. Let the team’s performance in Uyo and Bloemfontein repay the belief shown in them.
Did You Know?
- Unlikely Call-Up – Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, aged just 15, earned his place after becoming Nigeria’s youngest player ever at the CHAN tournament.
- Unity Cup Influence – Several players, including Dessers and Fredericks, were rewarded for their strong performances in Nigeria’s Unity Cup win in London earlier this yea.
- Chelle’s Journey – Born in Ivory Coast, Éric Chelle previously managed Mali before being appointed Super Eagles head coach in January 2025.
- Qualification Struggle – Nigeria currently lies fourth in Group C, six points behind South Africa, making the upcoming double-header must-wins for their World Cup hopes .
- Historic Captain – William Troost-Ekong, the squad captain, previously led Nigeria to qualify for international tournaments while playing in Saudi Arabia a rare feat for a national team captain.
