Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, a Franco-Malian tactician, has officially unveiled the 23-player squad tasked with representing Nigeria in the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches next month. The squad selection, released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department, underscores Chelle’s strategic approach to secure maximum points from these pivotal fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa, which are decisive in Nigeria's quest to qualify for the global tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The roster features a strong contingent of established national team stars and Europe-based players. Leading the charge are captain William Troost-Ekong, reliable forward Victor Osimhen, creative playmaker Alex Iwobi, and dynamic wingers Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. Other prominent names include Wilfred Ndidi, Ola Aina, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, and Bright Osay-Samuel. Notably, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali earned a spot despite recent injury concerns following an early substitution in his last league match for South Africa’s Chippa United.

However, the most significant absence from the squad is Victor Boniface. The 23-year-old forward has been sidelined after his planned loan move to AC Milan from Bayer Leverkusen was unfortunately called off due to medical concerns, preventing his inclusion in these vital qualifiers.

Chelle has also demonstrated a commitment to nurturing new talent, extending invites to several impressive emerging players. Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks, who both delivered stellar performances at the 2025 Unity Cup in London, have been included. Spain-based striker Christantus Uche and Belgium’s Tolu Arokodare, both of whom performed strongly in June’s friendly against Russia in Moscow, also received calls to the national team.

The Super Eagles are currently positioned fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, making victory in their upcoming games imperative to maintain a realistic chance of qualifying. The team will first converge to host Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 6. Three days later, on September 9, they will travel to Bloemfontein to face formidable rivals South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, a clash expected to reignite one of Africa’s fiercest football rivalries. Nigeria's coach is banking on his potent attacking firepower, led by Osimhen, the 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year, supported by Cyriel Dessers, Moses Simon, and Lookman, to overcome these challenges.

The final 23-man Super Eagles squad for the Rwanda and South Africa qualifiers is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Troost-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); 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); 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); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

The South African national team, Bafana Bafana, under coach Hugo Broos, has also released their 23-man squad, featuring familiar names like Lyle Foster, Ronwen Williams, and Evidence Makgopa, setting the stage for a high-intensity battle in Bloemfontein.