Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, has unveiled a provisional 31-man squad ahead of next month’s crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes against Rwanda and South Africa.
The list features key returnees and some surprise inclusions, as the Super Eagles prepare for back-to-back Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures that could shape their qualification hopes.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the defensive line, joined by familiar names such as Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, and Chidozie Awaziem, who returns to the fold. Stanley Nwabali maintains his spot as first-choice goalkeeper, with Adeleye Adebayo and promising youngster Ebenezer Harcourt offering additional options between the sticks.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka provide experience and stability, while Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Getafe’s Christantus Uche — who caught the eye at the 2025 Unity Cup in London — add youthful depth.
Up front, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze headline a potent attacking lineup, bolstered by Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, and Cyriel Dessers, another Unity Cup standout. Nathan Tella and Sadiq Umar also make the cut.
Young defender Benjamin Fredericks and Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu are among the surprise selections in the backline, while Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi of New England Revolution receives a nod in midfield.
Nigeria, currently fourth in the group, will face Rwanda on Saturday, 6th September at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Three days later, they travel to Bloemfontein for a potentially decisive encounter with South Africa on Tuesday, 9th September.
The team will begin camping in Uyo on Monday, 1st September, as preparations intensify for the crucial double-header. — NFF Communications Department
