The Super Eagles are stepping into a new era as head coach Eric Chelle unveils his first-ever provisional squad ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The 35-man squad features a blend of experienced veterans and fresh talents, signaling a tactical shift under Chelle’s leadership.
Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup is set to begin with an away fixture against Rwanda on March 21, followed by a home match against Zimbabwe on March 25. These two games will be a defining moment for Chelle as he looks to establish his philosophy and solidify the Super Eagles’ standing in Group C.
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Squad Highlights
Among the most notable inclusions in the squad is the return of Ahmed Musa, the team’s captain and a key figure in Nigeria’s past World Cup campaigns. He is joined by assistant captain William Troost-Ekong and midfield playmaker Joe Aribo, whose creativity in the middle of the park has proven crucial in past international outings.
Chelle has also introduced six new faces to the team, focusing on local talents alongside international stars. Home-based players such as Papa Mustapha, Kayode Bankole, and Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi have earned their first call-ups, a sign of growing confidence in Nigeria’s domestic league.
With the squad now confirmed, let’s take a look at the full Super Eagles roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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Full Super Eagles Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
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)
Midfielders
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)
Analysis of the Super Eagles Squad
Chelle’s selection reflects a balanced mix of experience and youth, incorporating both European-based professionals and homegrown talents. This move is expected to create healthy competition within the squad and provide the team with depth across all positions.
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Key Takeaways from the Squad Announcement
✅ Veterans Return: The presence of experienced players like Ahmed Musa, William Troost-Ekong, and Wilfred Ndidi ensures leadership within the team.
✅ New Faces: Young, talented players such as Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and Papa Mustapha have the opportunity to make their mark on the international stage.
✅ Home-Based Players Included: The inclusion of players from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) suggests a renewed focus on domestic talent, giving local players an international platform to prove their worth.
✅ Strong Attacking Options: With the likes of Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles boast one of Africa’s most lethal forward lines.
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✅ Defensive Reinforcement: The return of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina adds more defensive stability, which has been a concern in previous matches.
Upcoming Fixtures & What to Expect
🔹 March 21, 2026 – Rwanda vs. Nigeria (Kigali, Away Match)
🔹 March 25, 2026 – Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe (Home Match)
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These matches will serve as a litmus test for Eric Chelle and his tactical approach. Nigeria fans will be hoping to see improved team cohesion, better defensive organization, and a more clinical attack as the Super Eagles kick off their journey to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The qualifiers will also provide insights into Chelle’s formation choices, player selections, and whether the blend of youth and experience in this squad is the right formula to restore Nigeria’s dominance in African football.
Final Thoughts
The Super Eagles’ latest squad announcement has generated a lot of excitement among fans and football pundits. The balance of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers reflects a strategic approach to long-term squad building. While expectations are high, the real test will come on matchdays when the team must deliver strong performances and secure vital points.
As Nigeria gears up for these crucial World Cup qualifiers, all eyes will be on Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles to see if this squad can rise to the occasion and bring pride to millions of Nigerian football fans.
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