By Chidinma Kalu 

Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a robust 35-man provisional squad as Nigeria gears up for two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month. 

The squad, a blend of seasoned stars and emerging talents, reflects Chelle’s strategic vision to secure Nigeria’s ticket to the global showpiece, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Leading the charge are Galatasaray’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen and Atalanta’s in-form winger Ademola Lookman, both of whom have been instrumental in Nigeria’s recent campaigns. Osimhen, who netted 10 goals in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, and Lookman, fresh off a stellar season in Serie A, are expected to spearhead the attack as the Super Eagles aim to maintain their dominance in Group C.

Musa’s Return and New Faces

A notable highlight is the return of captain Ahmed Musa, who last featured for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where the team clinched a silver medal. The Kano Pillars forward, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer with 37 goals, brings a wealth of experience to a squad brimming with youthful energy. Joining him is assistant captain William Troost-Ekong, the dependable center-back from Al Khalood in Saudi Arabia, and Southampton’s versatile midfielder Joe Aribo, both of whom add leadership and stability.

Chelle has also injected fresh blood into the team, handing call-ups to six newcomers. Among them are three standout performers from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL): Papa Daniel Mustapha of Niger Tornadoes, Kayode Bankole, and Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi of Enugu Rangers. 

This move underscores Chelle’s commitment to tapping into domestic talent, a strategy that has sparked excitement among local fans eager to see homegrown stars shine on the international stage.

Injuries and Risks

Despite fitness concerns, Chelle has taken calculated risks by including SS Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who is nursing an ankle injury, Sevilla’s Jerome Akor Adams, and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who has been sidelined since December. 

Their inclusion signals the coach’s confidence in their potential to recover in time for the matches, though their participation remains uncertain pending medical updates.

The squad boasts an impressive array of talent plying their trade across Europe’s top leagues. Defenders like Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, FC Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi, and Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel bring tenacity and versatility to the backline. In midfield, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi offer a mix of dynamism and creativity.

The forward line is equally formidable, featuring AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, and Valencia’s Sadiq Umar alongside Osimhen and Lookman. Other attacking options include Middlesbrough’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Nantes’ Moses Simon, and Southampton’s towering striker Paul Onuachu, ensuring Chelle has a wealth of options to unlock opposition defenses.

The Road Ahead

Nigeria, three-time African champions, face Zimbabwe on March 21, 2025, before taking on Rwanda five days later on March 26. Both matches are critical as the Super Eagles look to build on their strong start in the qualifiers. With the team currently topping their group, victories in these fixtures could solidify their position and edge them closer to a seventh World Cup appearance.

Chelle, who took the reins in 2024, has emphasized unity and discipline in his squad selection. “We have a talented group with a mix of experience and hunger,” he said in a press statement. “Our focus is on delivering results for Nigeria and making our fans proud.”

As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Osimhen, Lookman, and the revitalized Musa to lead the Super Eagles to glory in this next chapter of their World Cup journey.

Full Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers:  

Maduka Okoye  

Kayode Bankole

Defenders:  

William Troost-Ekong (Al Khalood, Saudi Arabia)  

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)  

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)  

Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)  

Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)  

Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)  

Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)  

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)  

Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium)  

Ifeanyi Emmanuel Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Midfielders:  

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)  

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)  

Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England, USA)  

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)  

Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)  

Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)  

Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton, England)  

Anthony Dennis (Goztepe, Turkey)  

Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)  

Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)

Forwards:  

Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)  

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)  

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)  

Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England)  

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)  

Moses Simon (Nantes, France)  

Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)  

Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)  

Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)  

Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)  

Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)  

Paul Onuachu (Southampton, England)  

Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria)  

Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)