-
World cup qualifiers: Eric Chelle named a 31-man squad for Nigeria’s games against Rwanda and South Africa.
-
It features stars like Victor Osimhen.
-
Nigeria sit fourth and must win to qualify.
Head coach Eric Chelle named a 31-man provisional squad as Nigeria heads into the crucial World cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
Also Read: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Alhassan Yusuf Joins Super Eagles Camp Ahead of Crucial Rwanda
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads a mix of seasoned internationals and Unity Cup standouts.
Chelle kept his core. Stanley Nwabali starts in goal, while Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey form the defence.
Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi add pace and width.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka will drive the game.
Up front, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella give Chelle clear attacking options.
Unity Cup performers Benjamin Fredericks, Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, Christantus Uche and Cyriel Dessers earn call-ups.
Adeleye Adebayo and Chidozie Awaziem return to the squad.
Nigeria sit fourth with seven points from six matches and have won just once – a 2–0 win in Kigali.
South Africa top the group on 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin have eight.
Only group winners qualify automatically, so Nigeria must take maximum points.
The Super Eagles open camp in Uyo on Monday, 1 September.
They host Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, 6 September, then fly to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Tuesday, 9 September.
With four games left, Chelle has picked an attack-minded 31-man roster to chase fast results in the World cup qualifiers.
