As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, head coach Eric Chelle has a daunting task of trimming his initial 39-man provisional squad to 23.
The Super Eagles are fifth in the six-team Group C of the qualifiers and must fight hard to clinch victories in Kigali and at home in Uyo to stand any chance of qualifying for the Mundial in North America.
With some players assured of their spots on the final list heading into the matches, Chelle is saddled with the responsibility of accommodating others in order to have it all solid and formidable heading to Kigali.
Roster for #2026WCQ vs Rwanda and Zimbabwe #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/rljpOZkyyd
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 4, 2025
From the goalkeeping department, South Africa-based Stanley Nwabali should retain his spot as the number one man in goal. The 28-year-old has made the spot his own since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where he was one of the top performers.
The return to action for Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye should also earn him the right to be listed among the three shot-stoppers. The former Watford man returned to action on Monday in Udinese’s 1-1 draw at Lazio in the Italian Serie A.
In recent years, the third goalkeeper’s slot has been reserved for home-based players, and if that tradition remains in place, Remo Stars’ in-form goalie Kayode Bankole should get the nod as the last shot-stopper in the final squad. The other two goalies in the initial list, Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye, although boasting national team experiences, both play abroad in Ethiopia and Israel, respectively.
Chelle named 10 defenders in his initial squad; eight of them should make the final cut. The defensive line, which will most likely be marshalled by William Troost-Ekong, whose leadership and aerial prowess are unmatched, should include England-based Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina.
Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel should also get the nod, as well as Olympiacos full-back Bruno Onyemaechi, Auxerre’s Gabriel Osho and versatile Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha. Meanwhile, 25-year-old Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu should also be given the opportunity in the absence of Semi Ajayi.
The Super Eagles, in recent times, have become thin in terms of fresh midfield options, with familiar faces like Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka expected to make the final team.
Ndidi’s destructive tendencies can be balanced by Onyedika’s creative spark and ball-playing abilities, while Iwobi’s vision and passing range will be very vital in helping the team break down stubborn opposition defences. Dele-Bashiru and Onyeka can provide additional steel and energy.
Chelle’s biggest selection headache will be upfront, where the Super Eagles are spoilt for options. Nigeria arguably boasts the best forwards in Africa and in the world with the availability of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface.
The big-name trio should be joined by the ever-reliable Moses Simon, Sevilla forward Chidera Ejuke, the red-hot Sadiq Umar, and Samuel Chukwueze.
This squad has it all—leadership, creativity, pace, and goal-scoring ability—and with the right tactics and team spirit, Nigeria can conquer the World Cup qualifiers and possibly secure a ticket to the Mundial in 2026.
