Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Releases Final Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled his final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The Malian tactician has mixed experience with fresh talent, showcasing his intention to build a balanced and formidable team.

Home-Based Stars and New Faces

Two home-based players made the cut:

• Kayode Bankole (Goalkeeper, Remo Stars)

• Papa Daniel Mustapha (Midfielder, Niger Tornadoes)

Additionally, there’s excitement over the maiden invitation of Tolu Arokodare, the KRC Genk forward, who has impressed with his performances in Belgium.

Regulars and Returnees

The squad also features several established stars, including:

• William Troost-Ekong (Captain) – Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia

• Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray FC, Turkey

• Ademola Lookman – Atalanta FC, Italy

• Samuel Chukwueze – AC Milan, Italy

• Moses Simon – FC Nantes, France

• Joe Aribo – Making a return after missing recent call-ups

Fixture Schedule

The Super Eagles will face Group C leaders, Rwanda, in Kigali on March 21 before returning home to battle Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on March 25.

Full Squad Breakdown

Goalkeepers:

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)

• Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

• Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

Defenders:

• William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)

• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe SK, Turkey)

• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)

• Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)

• Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

• Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders:

• Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)

• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

• Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)

• Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

• Joseph Aribo (Southampton FC, England)

• Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)

Forwards:

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)

• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)

• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)

• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

• Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)

• Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain)

• Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

• Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Opinion: Can Chelle’s Super Eagles Soar High?

Eric Chelle’s squad selection shows he is willing to give opportunities to new faces while maintaining the core of the team’s experienced players. The inclusion of home-based stars like Kayode Bankole and Papa Daniel Mustapha is a positive step towards recognizing the talent available in the domestic league.

However, the real test will be whether Chelle’s team can deliver on the field against a strong Rwandan side that currently tops the group. The Super Eagles’ struggle for consistency in recent times has left fans yearning for a convincing performance.

The return of players like Joe Aribo and the presence of lethal forwards like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman should provide the firepower needed to turn things around. Yet, the midfield’s balance and defensive solidity will be under scrutiny.

Will Chelle’s strategy be enough to secure vital wins against Rwanda and Zimbabwe? Nigerian fans can only hope so.

What do you think of the squad selection? Is this the team to take Nigeria back to the World Cup?