By Irom Daniel
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle has named a provisional 31-man squad for the Super Eagles’ September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
The Eagles, currently fourth in CAF Group C, face a must-win double-header — first hosting Rwanda in Uyo on September 6, before traveling to Bloemfontein for a decisive showdown with group leaders South Africa on September 9.
Victor Osimhen headlines a star-studded attack, alongside Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi returns to action, supported by Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, and Christantus Uche, offering Chelle a blend of creativity and balance.
Defensively, captain William Troost-Ekong will marshal a backline featuring Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, and Benjamin Fredricks.
Between the posts, Stanley Nwabali remains first choice, with Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye, and youngster Harcourt Ebenezer providing depth and competition.
With just one win from four qualifiers so far, Nigeria trail South Africa by six points in the race for the group’s sole automatic ticket.
The Super Eagles will open camp in Uyo on September 1 ahead of the crunch fixtures.
31 SUPER EAGLES IN PROVISIONAL LIST FOR RWANDA & 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)
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)
