Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 31-man provisional squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, MySportDab Reports.
The list features several key players, including Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Moses Simon. However, it will be trimmed down before the squad officially begins camp in Uyo on September 1.
One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who becomes the only player from the 2024 African Nations Championship squad to make Chelle’s provisional list. Senior goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Europe-based shot-stoppers Adebayo Adeleye and Amas Obasogie are also named, giving Chelle plenty of options between the posts.
In defence, captain William Troost-Ekong is joined by Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi also make the cut. Emerging talents like Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks have been handed opportunities to impress.
The midfield is anchored by established figures Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, alongside rising stars such as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika. In attack, Chelle has assembled a formidable strike force led by Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface. They are supported by the likes of Terem Moffi, Sadiq Umar, Samuel Chukwueze, and Nathan Tella.
Nigeria will open their training camp in Uyo before facing Rwanda in Matchday 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September 6. Four days later, the three-time African champions travel to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa in what promises to be a decisive clash in Group C.
The Super Eagles currently sit well-placed in their qualifying group as they continue their push toward securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
NIGERIA FULL SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting FC)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Adams Akor (Sevilla FC, Spain)
