Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has released a provisional 39-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The squad features experienced players such as Ahmed Musa, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Alex Iwobi, alongside several first-time call-ups.
Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Adeleye Adebayo have retained their places, while defenders Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel have also been included.
The midfield is bolstered by Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, while the attack will be led by Lookman, Osimhen, and Simon Moses.
New faces in the squad include Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Tolu Arokodare, and Jerome Akor Adams, who have all received their first national team call-ups. Home-based goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, defender Jordan Torunarigha, midfielder Joseph Aribo, and forwards Cyriel Dessers and Nathan Tella could also make a return if they make the final 23-man list.
Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group C, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho. The Super Eagles will face group leaders Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before taking on Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25.
Full 39-Man Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).
Defenders:
William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe SK, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece), Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Jordan Torunarigha (Gent FC, Belgium), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International, Nigeria).
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England), Anthony Dennis (Göztepe SK, Turkey), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria).
Forwards:
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy), Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria), Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain).
With Nigeria looking to revive their qualification hopes, fans will be eager to see how Chelle’s team performs in these crucial encounters.
