Nigeria squad announcement: Aina, Iwobi, Aribo, Ndidi, Osimhen, Arokodare, Lookman in; Dessers out
Published: March 11, 2025
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled his final 23-man squad ahead of Nigeria's crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, was revealed via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Super Eagles, following the release of an expanded provisional squad of 39 players last week.
This marks Chelle's debut as the Super Eagles' coach, taking charge of the three-time African champions for the first time in competitive action.
The squad comprises a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, reflecting Chelle's vision for the team as he looks to build a strong foundation for Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.
The final squad includes three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards.
Among the notable inclusions are veteran players such as Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Victor Osimhen, alongside new faces like Tolu Arokodare and Nathan Tella, who have earned their place based on their recent performances.
Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers will not be cap-tied to Nigeria this month as the Belgian-born forward has been omitted from the squad despite being in brilliant form his Scottish club.
The squad brings together an exciting mix of experience and youth, setting the stage for an intense start to Nigeria's World Cup qualification journey.
The matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe are expected to test the new coach's tactical approach and offer an opportunity for the players to prove their worth ahead of a demanding qualifying campaign.
The full squad list is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole, Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, William Troost-Ekong
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Alhassan Yusuf, Joe Aribo, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Raphael Onyedika, Wilfred Ndidi
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Sadiq Umar, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen
Wale Adejumo
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'People were shouting Osimhen' - Rohr on playing in Abidjan, what he expects from Zimbabwe in Uyo
- 'We read somewhere' - Troost-Ekong fires warning to Zimbabwe ahead of Uyo showdown
- 2026 World Cup qualifier: Three key areas Super Eagles must fix before facing Zimbabwe
- 'You can't do that against Nigeria' - Bafana Bafana coach explains why Mofokeng started v Lesotho
- 'Nigeria will help us' - Hugo Broos relying on Super Eagles to aid Bafana Bafana's qualification push
- Troost-Ekong highlights two Rwanda players who impressed him during Super Eagles win v Wasps
- Amrouche admits Osimhen's early goal forced Rwanda to abandon their plan in loss to Nigeria
- 'We gave them a present' - Rwanda coach slams Wasps players after defeat to Super Eagles
- Osimhen brushes off Manchester United and Chelsea transfer question from Rwandan journalist
- 'Played right back' - Troost-Ekong namechecks one Super Eagles player used out of position v Rwanda


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- New88
- hi88
- RR88
- hi88