Head coach Eric Chelle has officially released his 23-man Super Eagles squad for September’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
The list, cut from the provisional one, sees Stanley Nwabali retain his place despite injury fears, while Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze headline the attack.
Cyriel Dessers gets a long-awaited competitive call-up, but there is no room for Victor Boniface.
Super Eagles’ qualification picture
The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, trailing leaders South Africa by six points.
With only the nine group winners assured of automatic tickets to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Nigeria must close the gap quickly.
The four best runners-up across Africa’s ten groups will advance to play-offs, with the winners earning one last chance via the intercontinental tournament.
Nine days out from Nigeria’s showdown with the Amavubi in Uyo.
Cast your mind back to Kigali, where @victorosimhen9 turned on the jets and finished with icy composure at the Amahoro.#Naija4thewin #SoarSuperFalcons #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/rCEq1MXMfa
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) August 28, 2025
The three-time AFCON winners host Rwanda in Uyo on September 6, before facing South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 9. Camp opens on September 2.
Full 23-man Super Eagles squad
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Frederick (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Uche Christantus (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
