2026 WCQ: Chelle releases Super Eagles team list for Rwanda, South Africa

A provisional list of 31 players has been released by the Nigeria Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle last Friday, ahead of next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria will host Rwanda in September, 6 before taking on South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 9.

In readiness for the must win matches, Chelle has shun experimenting; for familiar and trusted players and called up regular names such as Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong.

In the mix is Sevilla striker Jerome Adams who earned his maiden invitation, while Terem Moffi has been named in the squad after returning from a long-term injury.

The two fixtures will determine the fate of the Eagles if they would qualify for the tournament holding in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year.

Nigeria are currently in fourth place in Group C with seven points behind South Africa, Rwanda and Benin Republic.

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye, Harcourt Ebenezer.

Defenders:

William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredrick.

Midfielders:

Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche.

Forwards

Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams.

Date | Time | Venue

Nigeria vs Rwanda

Saturday | September 6, | 5:00 PM

Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

South Africa vs Nigeria

Tuesday | September 9 | 5:00 PM

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein.