Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, with key names returning to boost the Super Eagles’ campaign.
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been declared fit after injury fears earlier in the week.
The Chippa United stopper, stretchered off during a domestic league game, has passed medical checks and is cleared to start.
His availability comes as a major relief, given his commanding presence since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads a strong defensive unit that also includes Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, with Felix Agu recalled and Unity Cup revelations Benjamin Fredericks and Christantus Uche handed deserved places.
The midfield is anchored by Wilfred Ndidi, with Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Lawal providing energy and creativity.
Up front, Nigeria will count on Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, while Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare offer additional options in attack.
While Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface misses out amid lingering fitness concerns, he is joined on the absentee list by Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Kalu and Umar Sadiq.
Nigeria face Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 before travelling to Bloemfontein to meet South Africa on September 9.
With only seven points from six matches, Chelle’s men must take maximum points to revive their qualification push.
Nigeria 23-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Adeleye Adebayo (Hapoel Jerusalem), Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (PAOK), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce), Benjamin Fredericks (Remo Stars), Christantus Uche (Enyimba)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Alhassan Yusuf (Antwerp), Samson Lawal (Livingston)
Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers), Tolu Arokodare (Genk)
