The Nigeria Football Federation has officially released the final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with some notable names making the list. Head Coach George Chelle has selected a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars for the crucial matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
The squad features a strong core of familiar faces, including captain William Ekong, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, and star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been a consistent presence, retains his spot.
Also included are defenders Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, along with midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka. The forward line is bolstered by the likes of Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, and Cyriel Dessers.
Chelle has also brought back a few players who have recently impressed, such as Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo. Additionally, Unity Cup standouts Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks have earned a call-up, as have Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who both delivered strong performances in the friendly against Russia in June.
The Super Eagles are set to face Rwanda on Saturday, September 6, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for their Matchday 7 encounter. They will then travel to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa on Tuesday, September 9, for Matchday 8.
The full squad list is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).
