Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 39-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most-capped player with 110 appearances, returns to the team after last featuring in a friendly against Guinea in January.
The 32-year-old forward, who now plays for Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has been in fine form this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists. His leadership on and off the pitch is believed to have influenced his recall.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and fresh talents. First-time invitees include defenders Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha, as well as forwards Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams. Established stars like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and William Ekong are also included.
Nigeria, currently fifth in Group C, faces Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on March 25. The Super Eagles trail behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho and will be looking to secure maximum points to boost their qualification hopes.
Full 39-Man Provisional List
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus)
Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders:
William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)
Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Jordan Torunarigha (Gent FC, Belgium)
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International, Nigeria)
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy)
Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany)
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
Anthony Dennis (Goztepe SK, Turkey)
Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
Forwards:
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England)
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)
Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain)
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England)
Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria)
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
The Super Eagles will be aiming for a strong performance in these crucial matches as they push for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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