Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 31-man provisional squad for next month’s must win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, with captain William Troost-Ekong leading the side.
The list includes first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, as well as forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon.
Rising star Ebenezer Harcourt earns a maiden call-up, while there are recalls for goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and striker Terem Moffi.
Several youngsters who impressed at the Unity Cup in London, including Benjamin Fredericks, Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, Christantus Uche, and Cyriel Dessers, have also been rewarded with places.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread, with the Super Eagles sitting fourth in their group on seven points from six games.
South Africa lead with 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin on eight. Only the group winner secures an automatic ticket to the World Cup.
Chelle’s men host Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before traveling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Tuesday, September 9.
Camp opens in Uyo on September 1 as pressure mounts on the coach to reignite Nigeria’s campaign.
Nigeria’s 31-Man Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo, Ebenezer Harcourt
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams
