Chelle announces final squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers

August 29, 2025 by David Bolarinwa

Head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clashes against Rwanda and South Africa.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the squad, which also includes key names like midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika, as well as forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

In-form goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his place, joined by defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel in the backline.

The midfield department also features Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka, while attacking options are bolstered by Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, and Cyriel Dessers.

Greece-based shot-stopper Adebayo Adeleye returns to the fold, and Werder Bremen’s defender — set for his potential competitive debut — has also been handed a call-up.

Nigeria will first face Rwanda’s Amavubi on Saturday, 6th September at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for Matchday 7 action.

Three days later, the team travels to Bloemfontein to square off against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a vital Matchday 8 fixture on Tuesday, 9th September.

Read Also:Super Eagles: Etafia warns of Bafana Bafana’s dangers ahead of World Cup showdown

FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

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); 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); 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); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).

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