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

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The draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was announced, and England learned that they will face Serbia in their group. The draw, held on Friday at FIFA’s headquarters in Switzerland, was watched by incoming German manager Thomas Tuchel.

England’s group, part of the UEFA portion of the qualification, also includes Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. The Three Lions are expected to be favorites to top this group.

As the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, which are yet to be played, influenced the draw, there were several placeholders throughout the groupings. For example, the winner of the Nations League knockout tie between defending Euro 2024 champions Spain and the Netherlands, scheduled for next March, will be placed in Group E alongside Turkey and two yet-to-be-determined teams. The losers of this match will face teams like Poland and Finland in Group G.

Scotland was placed in Group C and will face the loser of the Nations League quarter-final between Portugal and Denmark. Meanwhile, Wales had all their opponents confirmed and will be competing against a strong Belgian side, ranked eighth in the world.

The 12 group winners will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The group runners-up will enter a second-round playoff, combined with the best-performing Nations League teams that did not qualify through the group stage.

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