W/Qualifiers: Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Unveils 39-Man Provisional Squad

Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced a 39-man provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The crucial fixtures will see the Nigerian team face a must-win situation to revive their qualification hopes. The list includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talents.

The Super Eagles are currently fifth in Group C, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho. With only one point from their opening two matches, the team faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the World Cup.

Nigeria will first travel to Kigali to take on group leaders Amavubi of Rwanda on Friday, March 21st. The Rwandan team has been in solid form and will pose a significant challenge for Chelle’s men. Four days later, on March 25th, Nigeria will host Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, where they aim to secure a vital three points.

Super Eagles will need to improve their performances significantly if they are to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the return of star striker Victor Osimhen and key midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, Nigeria will be hoping for a turnaround in fortune. Chelle, who was  recently appointed as the head coach faces a major test in these two matches.

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars).

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Jordan Torunarigha (Gent FC, Belgium); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Anthony Dennis (Goztepe SK, Turkey); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes).

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England); Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain).

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