Nigeria Names 31-Man Provisional Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Eric Chelle unveils 31-man provisional squad for Super Eagles' World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria's Super Eagles squad for Rwanda and South Africa fixtures includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Check out the 31-man provisional squad announced by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced a 31-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. The team is led by captain William Troost-Ekong and features notable players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Moses Simon.

The Super Eagles will face Rwanda on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, followed by a match against South Africa on September 9 in Bloemfontein. The team's camp will open on September 1 in Uyo.

Ebenezer Harcourt, a 15-year-old goalkeeper, is the sole representative from the 2024 African Nations Championship in the Super Eagles' current squad. Notably, experienced players like Sikiru Alimi and Ismaila Sodiq didn't make the cut.

The Super Eagles are set to kick off their training camp in Uyo on Monday, September 1st, in preparation for crucial upcoming matches. Their first challenge will be against Rwanda on Saturday, September 6th, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Eric Chelle’s 31-man provisional list for September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.#SoarSuperEagles #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/kqbsVu5z1i

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) August 22, 2025

Following the Rwanda match, the team will travel to Bloemfontein, South Africa, for a highly anticipated Matchday 8 encounter against the host nation on Tuesday, September 9th. This match promises to be intense, given the competitive nature of both teams.

NIGERIA SQUAD FOR SOUTH AFRICA

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)

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)