Goalkeepers: The Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department features a blend of experience and emerging talent. Stanley Nwabali, based in South Africa, appears to be the frontrunner for the starting position, boasting solid statistics with his club. Amas Obasogie, despite his multiple call-ups, is yet to earn his debut cap and will be vying to challenge Nwabali. Kayode Bankole, the sole home-based goalkeeper, receives his first call-up, highlighting the coaching staff’s willingness to consider players from the domestic league.
Defenders: The defensive line is anchored by the experienced William Troost-Ekong, the team captain, with over 70 caps to his name. Premier League regular Calvin Bassey brings his consistent top-flight performances to the national team. Jordan Torunarigha and Ola Aina add further depth and experience to the defensive ranks. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Igho Ogbu complete the defensive contingent, with Ogbu looking to make his Super Eagles debut. This mixture of experience and youth provides a good balance for the team.
Midfielders: The midfield boasts a potent combination of established Premier League players and emerging talents. Wilfred Ndidi, a proven force in the English top flight, returns to the national team fold, bringing his defensive prowess and experience. Raphael Onyedika, a relatively new face to the Super Eagles, has quickly established himself as a key player. Alhassan Yusuf represents the MLS in the squad. Experienced campaigner Alex Iwobi, with over 80 caps, brings his creativity and goal-scoring threat to the midfield. Joe Aribo adds further Premier League experience. Papa Daniel Mustapha, a surprise inclusion from the domestic league, offers an intriguing wildcard option.
Forwards: The Super Eagles attack is spearheaded by the prolific Victor Osimhen, who has been lighting up the Turkish Super Lig since his move to Galatasaray. Samuel Chukwueze, despite facing challenges for regular playing time at AC Milan, remains a potent attacking threat. Ademola Lookman, the reigning CAF African Player of the Year, arrives in scintillating form. Victor Boniface, yet to score for Nigeria, will be eager to open his international account. Experienced winger Moses Simon adds his pace and trickery to the flanks. Sadiq Umar and Tolu Arokodare complete the forward line, both having enjoyed productive seasons at club level.
Coaching Staff: Eric Chelle, the French-Malian coach, takes the reins of the Super Eagles, bringing a wealth of experience from his playing and coaching career. He is joined by a diverse and experienced coaching staff, including Hedi Taboubi as his first assistant. Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, both coaches in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), provide valuable local knowledge and expertise. Thomas Gornourec oversees the team’s fitness, while Jean Daniel Padovani, who previously worked with the Comoros national team, handles the goalkeeper training.
Overall Squad Composition: The Super Eagles squad for this international window represents a balanced mix of experience and youth, with established players from top European leagues complemented by emerging talents from the domestic league and other competitions. The squad features a blend of players who have been mainstays in the national team setup for several years, alongside several newer faces looking to establish themselves on the international stage. This blend allows for a degree of mentorship and leadership from the veteran players, while also injecting fresh energy and dynamism into the squad.
The coaching staff, under the leadership of Eric Chelle, has assembled a group of players who have demonstrated strong individual form at their respective clubs. The selection process appears to have taken into account several factors, including current form, experience, and potential. This suggests a deliberate effort to build a competitive squad capable of achieving success in the upcoming matches. The coaching staff’s diverse backgrounds and experiences should also contribute to a well-rounded approach to preparing the team.
The squad composition reflects the increasing global reach of Nigerian football talent. Players from various leagues across the world, including the English Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, and the Turkish Super Lig, are represented in the squad. This demonstrates the growing recognition of Nigerian players on the international stage and highlights the depth of talent available to the national team. The inclusion of home-based players also indicates the importance of the domestic league in the development of Nigerian football.
The team faces the crucial challenge of reviving their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after a disappointing start under previous management. The upcoming matches will provide an opportunity for Chelle and his coaching staff to assess the players and implement their tactical approach. The squad appears to possess the requisite talent and experience to achieve positive results, but they will need to perform cohesively as a unit to overcome their opponents. The matches will also serve as a platform for newer players to prove their worth and potentially solidify their places in the squad for future competitions.
