The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the Super Eagles’ final 23-man squad for the September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa. Head coach Chelle confirmed the squad list on Friday, with captain William Troost-Ekong and star striker Victor Osimhen among the big names selected.
The Super Eagles will face Rwanda’s Amavubi on Saturday, September 6, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before traveling to Bloemfontein for a tough away clash against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, September 9. Both games are expected to play a decisive role in Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Big Names Return to the Squad
Captain William Ekong leads the defense, supported by European-based regulars Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Chidozie Awaziem. Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu and Belgium-based Benjamin Fredericks also make the squad after impressing in recent outings.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika are joined by Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Spain-based Christantus Uche. Their inclusion provides Chelle with creativity, stability, and balance in the middle of the park.
The forward line boasts firepower with Serie A standout Ademola Lookman, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, Paris-based Simon Moses, Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, and Belgium’s Tolu Arokodare. The spotlight, however, will once again shine on Victor Osimhen, who continues to carry Nigeria’s attacking hopes.
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Goalkeeping Options Strengthened
Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali, who has been a reliable presence in recent months, headlines the goalkeeping unit. He is joined by Greece-based Adeleye Adebayo and Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie, providing depth and competition in goal.
Final Squad List
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).
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Focus on Rwanda and South Africa Fixtures
With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, every qualifying match counts. Nigeria currently sits in a competitive group where dropped points could prove costly. Facing Rwanda in Uyo will be an opportunity to secure maximum points at home, but the away fixture against South Africa promises to be a stern test.
Fans are hopeful that the combination of experienced internationals and emerging talents will give the Super Eagles the edge as they continue their road to qualification.
