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Super Eagles chief coach Eric Chelle launched a provisional team of 31 men on Friday for the classification matches of the FIFA World Cup September 2026 against Rwanda and South Africa.
The list presents a combination of regular internationals and new inclusions while Nigeria prepares for two decisive accessories that could shape their route to the World Cup.
In the goal, Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United retains its place, together with Amar Obasogie (Singled Black Stars), Adebayo Adelev (enosis Neon Pararalimni) and Harcourt Ebenezer (Sporting Lagos).
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the defense with Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) and Bright Osayi-Samuel (City of Birmingham).
They are joined by Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), Iigoh Ogbu (Slavia Praha), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Michael Agu (Werder Bremen) and Benjamin Frederick, 20, currently under Brentford’s FCV EH.
The center of the field is anchored by the experienced Wilfred Ndidi of Beşiktaş and Alex Iwobi de Fulham, with Frank Onyaka (Brentford), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution) and Getafe Midfielder
Christantus Uche completing the selection.
In front, Nigeria has a strong attack line directed by Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
He is Joined by Adela Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Victor Boniface (AC Milan), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers), Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad), Tolu Arokodare (Genk), Terem Moffi (OGC NICE), and the Sevilla Akor Adams striker.
The Super Eagles will open their September games against Rwanda in Uyo on September 6, before traveling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on September 9.
The 2026 World Cup classification campaign in Nigeria has been far from ideal. The Super Eagles drawn their first three games against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, before suffering a defeat against Benin.
After six games, they have achieved only one victory, along with four draws and a defeat, leaving them fourth in group C and six points to drift from the leaders of South Africa.
With four games to play, September clashes with Rwanda and South Africa are fundamental to revive Nigeria’s possibilities to reach the 2026 World Cup.
