Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a provisional 31-man squad for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
The list includes experienced figures such as captain William Troost-Ekong, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina, alongside midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
Attacking stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon also made the roster.
Notably, youthful goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Benjamin Fredericks have been drafted in. There are also places for midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Forwards Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella also offer attacking depth.
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Fresh faces and key returns boost squad
Chelle has also rewarded players who impressed at the recent Unity Cup Tournament in London, where Nigeria emerged champions.
Talents like Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, and Christantus Uche earned call-ups after strong showings during that competition. Additionally, there are notable returns for goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and forward Terem Moffi.
With Nigeria currently sitting fourth in the qualifying group, the upcoming fixtures carry significant weight. The Super Eagles will first face Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 6th September. They then travel to Bloemfontein to battle South Africa on Tuesday, 9th September.
Camp opens in Uyo on 1 September ahead of crucial qualifiers
To ensure optimal preparation, the national team’s training camp will open in Uyo on Monday, 1st September. This early start gives Chelle and his technical crew ample time to drill tactics and finalise strategies before the games.
Both matches are expected to be fiercely contested, as Nigeria cannot afford to drop points in their quest for a seventh World Cup appearance. However the West Africans walk tightrope in the qualification hopes.
With Osimhen leading the attack and a midfield packed with brilliance, fans are hopeful that the squad can deliver. However, both Rwanda and South Africa would prove tough tests for the Super Eagles.
Tags: Eric Chelle, Super Eagles, 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, #2026WorldCupqualifiers, #2026FIFAWCQ, #SoarSuperEagles, #Team9jaStrong, Ebenezer Harcourt, Rwanda, South Africa.
