Eric Chelle, the newly appointed head coach of the Super Eagles, has officially announced his first-ever provisional squad ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

The 35-man squad features a strong mix of experience and emerging talent, with the return of captain Ahmed Musa, vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, and midfield maestro Joe Aribo. Chelle has also introduced six fresh faces to the team, reinforcing his commitment to blending seasoned professionals with promising new stars.

Notably, home-based players Papa Mustapha, Kayode Bankole, and Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi have received call-ups, highlighting Chelle’s intent to give local talents a chance to shine on the international stage.

The Super Eagles will first face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe on March 25.

Full Super Eagles Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
• Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
• Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Neon Paralimni, Cyprus)
• Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

Defenders:

• William Troost-Ekong (Al Khalood, Saudi Arabia)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
• Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)
• Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
• Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
• Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium)
• Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Midfielders:

• Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
• Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England, USA)
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
• Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
• Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton, England)
• Anthony Dennis (Goztepe, Turkey)
• Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)

Forwards:

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
• Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
• Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
• Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
• Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
• Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
• Paul Onuachu (Southampton, England)
• Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria)
• Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)

With a solid lineup, Chelle is set to make a bold statement in his debut campaign as Nigeria’s head coach. Super Eagles fans will be eager to see how this squad performs as they chase a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

🔥 Stay tuned for updates on Nigeria’s journey to the World Cup!