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Final 23-Man Super Eagles Squad for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to begin in March 2025, Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced his squad ahead of the crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The initial 30-man squad submitted by Chelle was later trimmed down to 23 players, with notable omissions including Maduka Okoye, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Ahmed Musa. Okoye, currently under investigation in Serie A, was left out, while Iheanacho and Musa also failed to make the final cut.
Chelle’s selection reflects a balanced mix of home-based and international players, signaling his intent to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
- Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders:
- William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Turkey)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
- Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
- Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
- Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)
- Papa Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
Forwards:
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
- Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
- Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
With the qualifiers fast approaching, fans are eager to see how the Super Eagles will perform under Eric Chelle’s leadership as they set their sights on World Cup qualification.
23 for Rwanda & Zimbabwe WCQ #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/uVa61KUFC4
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 11, 2025