Osimhen, Ndidi, Iwobi, Aina start as Eric Chelle names first-ever Super Eagles home starting XI

Eric Chelle will take charge of the Super Eagles for the second time as the national team face Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

In his first-ever game at home, the Malian football tactician has made no changes to the side that defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali on Friday, March 21.

Chippa United captain Stanley Nwabali will make his nineteenth start for the Super Eagles. 

And the former Enyimba glovesman is protected by a back four of William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who has shaken off the knock he picked up in the closing minutes of the matchday five clash in Kigali.

Arsenal's Hale End Academy graduate, Alex Iwobi is now fifteen appearances from reaching a milestone of 100 appearances for the Super Eagles with his inclusion in the starting lineup to face Zimbabwe.

Joining the Fulham star in central midfield is Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi, who makes his 56th start for the Super Eagles.

Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in November 2023, starts his fourth consecutive game in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The other attacking positions are filled by Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, with the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Boot winner starting in the number 9 role.

Super Eagles starting lineup v Rwanda: Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Moses Simon, Chuwkueze, Lookman; Osimhen

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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