Abuja, August 16, 2025 — Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 31-man squad ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches next month. The three-time African champions will host Rwanda in Abuja before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on September 9 in what many analysts describe as “make-or-mar” fixtures for Nigeria’s qualification hopes. Chelle retained several regulars including Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and captain William Troost-Ekong. Sevilla striker Jerome Adams received his maiden invitation, while OGC Nice forward Terem Moffi makes a return after recovering from a long-term injury. Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin Republic. The qualifiers will determine whether the Super Eagles remain in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Full Squad List Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye, Harcourt Ebenezer. Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredrick. Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche. Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams.
Chelle Names 31-Man Super Eagles Squad for September World Cup Qualifiers
