Super Eagles Unveil 31-Man Provisional Squad for Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a robust 31-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa next month. The squad, blending seasoned stars and emerging talents, is set to tackle the Amavubi of Rwanda on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, before facing South Africa in Bloemfontein on September 9. With Nigeria languishing in fourth place in Group C with seven points, these must-win fixtures are critical to keeping their World Cup dreams alive.

The provisional list is headlined by captain William Troost-Ekong, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, alongside midfield stalwarts Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi. Notable inclusions include Sevilla’s Akor Adams, Nice’s Terem Moffi, and 15-year-old prodigy Ebenezer Harcourt, who impressed at the 2024 African Nations Championship. Other standout call-ups feature defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and young Benjamin Frederick, as well as forwards Ademola Lookman, Cyriel Dessers, and Nathan Tella, all rewarded for their performances at the 2025 Unity Cup in London.

Chelle, under pressure after a lackluster CHAN campaign, has opted for a foreign-based heavy squad, excluding Nigeria Premier Football League players, sparking debate among fans. The Super Eagles’ camp opens in Uyo on September 1, with Chelle expected to trim the squad to 26 players before the Rwanda clash. Nigeria’s qualification hopes hinge on securing maximum points, as they trail group leaders South Africa (13 points) and are level with Rwanda and Benin (8 points each). The absence of key defender Semi Ajayi due to a hamstring injury adds further urgency to Chelle’s tactical preparations.

“It’s an obligation to win in South Africa, but first, we focus on Rwanda,” Chelle told Brila FM, emphasizing the diamond formation he favors to maximize Nigeria’s attacking flair. With only four games left in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles must deliver commanding performances to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Fans remain cautiously optimistic, rallying behind the hashtag #SoarSuperEagles as Nigeria aims to reclaim its footballing pride.