Nigeria squad announcement: Lookman, Osimhen, Iwobi, Aina, Dessers, 18 others called up for WCQs

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has announced the final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, as the Super Eagles aim to strengthen their chances of returning to football’s biggest stage. 

Veteran defender William Ekong will captain the side, bringing leadership and experience to a squad that blends established internationals with emerging talent. 

The defensive line includes Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, and Benjamin Fredericks, providing both quality and depth.

In goal, Stanley Nwabali leads the position, backed by Amas Obasogie and Adeleye Adebayo. 

The midfield combines creativity and stability with Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, and Christantus Uche, while the forward line features Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare.

Several notable names from the 31-man provisional squad were dropped from the final 23-man list. 

Sadiq Umar, Victor Boniface, Adams Akor, Terem Moffi, and Nathan Tella missed out on the final cut, reflecting the highly competitive selection process and the coach’s emphasis on balance across all positions. 

While disappointed, these players remain on standby and could be recalled in case of injury or tactical adjustments ahead of the qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will open camp in Uyo ahead of their home fixture against Rwanda on Saturday, September 6, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Tuesday, September 9. 

Both matches are expected to be decisive in shaping Nigeria’s qualification campaign, with the team seeking to secure vital points in a challenging group.

Super Eagles 23-man squad for WCQs against Rwanda and South Africa

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)

Wale Adejumo

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