Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is set to name his first squad as Nigeria resumes their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
With crucial games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe on the horizon, the Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious position in Group C.
After four matches, Nigeria remains winless, sitting fifth with just three points.
Chelle faces immediate pressure to turn things around, and his first squad selection will be a strong indicator of his plans for the team.
His squad will be announced next week but who is likely to make the cut?
Super Eagles squad for March World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: A department in disarray
Since the last qualifiers, Nigeria’s goalkeeping situation has seen some setbacks.
First-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali has been dealing with personal tragedy after losing his parents, while Maduka Okoye has been sidelined by injury and implicated in a betting scandal in Italy.
Okoye has not played a league game this year, making his inclusion unlikely.
Amas Obasogie, who was part of the last squad, has been inconsistent, but a fresh option has emerged from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Mustapha Lawal, the in-form Shooting Stars goalkeeper, is pushing for a call-up and could make his debut.
Goalkeepers – Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Mustapha Lawal
Defenders: Injuries and forced changes
The Super Eagles’ defence will see some changes, with William Troost-Ekong a doubt and Semi Ajayi completely ruled out.
In their absence, Igoh Ogbu of Slavia Prague, who has been in great form this season, is expected to earn a call-up, while Gabriel Osho of Auxerre could also be included.
Calvin Bassey remains the most experienced centre-back available, making his presence crucial while others are expectd to be back.
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Gabriel Osho, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, William Troost-Ekong
Midfielders: Stability with a new addition
The midfield is expected to remain largely unchanged, with regulars like Alex Iwobi and a fit-again Wilfred Ndidi set to return.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who has been recovering from injury, is expected to be fit and included in the squad.
An exciting addition could be Christantus Uche of Getafe, who is poised for his maiden call-up following an impressive debut season in La Liga.
Midfielders – Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Christantus Uche, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forwards: Fresh Faces to Bolster the Attack
The forward line is set for a shake-up, with new players expected to strengthen the attack.
Tolu Arokodare has been in scintillating form in Belgium, netting 16 league goals, while Gift Orban has found his scoring touch with four goals in six games for Hoffenheim.
Chuba Akpom, currently with Lille in France, is also in contention for his first Super Eagles call-up. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella is expected to make a return to the squad.
Regulars like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Moses Simon are likely to feature, providing a blend of experience and fresh talent up front.
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Chuba Akpom, Tolu Arokodare, Gift Orban
