The Nigerian Super Eagles are gearing up for a crucial double-header against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the recently announced provisional squad reflects a blend of experience, emerging talent, and returning faces. Captain Ahmed Musa, a veteran presence and a symbol of Nigerian football, makes a significant return to the national team fold after a period of absence. His inclusion signifies the value of his leadership and experience as the Super Eagles aim to navigate a challenging qualification campaign. Musa’s last appearance for Nigeria predates their silver medal-winning performance at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting the time elapsed since his last contribution on the international stage.
Newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle has crafted a squad that balances established players with fresh blood. Tolu Arokodare, a striker enjoying a prolific season with Genk in the Belgian Jupiler League, earns a call-up following his impressive goal-scoring exploits. His inclusion underscores Chelle’s intent to reward in-form players and inject attacking potency into the squad. Arokodare is joined by three other newcomers to the national team setup: Anthony Dennis, a midfielder plying his trade with FC Göztepe in Turkey; Papa Daniel Mustapha, formerly of Niger Tornadoes; and Igoh Ogbu, a defender representing Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic. These additions mark an opportunity for these players to make their mark on the international stage and contribute to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification ambitions.
The return of Kayode Bankole, the Remo Stars goalkeeper, and Southampton forward Paul Onuachu further bolsters the squad’s depth and options. Bankole’s inclusion provides competition in the goalkeeping department, while Onuachu’s presence offers an additional attacking threat and a potential target man for the Super Eagles. These additions signal a renewed focus on maximizing the available talent pool to bolster the team’s chances in the upcoming qualifiers. Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group C, making these matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe must-win encounters to revive their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup. The first match against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21st will be a crucial test of the team’s resilience and ability to perform away from home.
The provisional squad features a mix of players competing in various leagues across the globe, reflecting the diverse talent pool available to Nigeria. The goalkeeping department is represented by Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus), and the returning Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars). The defensive line boasts experienced players such as William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France), and Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), alongside Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), the newcomer Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium), and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International).
The midfield comprises a blend of established names and emerging talent, including Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany), Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton, England), newcomer Anthony Dennis (Göztepe, Turkey), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain), and newcomer Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes). This mix of experience and youthful energy provides the Super Eagles with a dynamic and versatile midfield capable of controlling the tempo of matches and creating opportunities for the forwards.
The forward line is packed with exciting prospects and established goal-scorers. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), the in-form Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain), the returning Paul Onuachu (Southampton, England), the returning captain Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars), and Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain) comprise a formidable attacking force capable of challenging any defense. This diverse and talented forward line gives Coach Chelle a plethora of options to choose from and provides Nigeria with the firepower needed to secure crucial victories in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe will be a crucial test for this squad, and their performances will determine Nigeria’s fate in the qualification campaign.
