Olushola Omogbehin
In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa, Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has released his final 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
The list which contains goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili despite sustaining injury earlier in the week during training surprised of many football lovers.
The coaching crew has however expressed optimism in the quick recovery of Nwabili, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa and has been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent fixtures.
Conversely, Sevilla’s rising star, Adam Akor has been left out of the squad as Chelle opted for more experienced attacking options, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, midfield dynamo Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, and Wilfred Ndidi also made the list, while Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo and Unity Cup sensations Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks return to the fold.
Also in the squad are forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who impressed in the June friendly against Russia, were also included.
The Super Eagles will host the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before traveling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Tuesday,
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
