With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers heating up, head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming matchday 7 and 8 fixtures in Group C.
Nigeria will face Rwanda at home under the lights of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa on September 9 at the Toyota (Free State) Stadium. These matches are crucial for the Super Eagles, who aim to improve their group standings and secure direct qualification to the tournament, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will co-host.
The squad blends seasoned internationals with emerging talents, emphasising defensive solidity and attacking flair. Chelle’s selection comes amid concerns over the team’s form, with South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos warning that Nigeria remains a formidable threat despite their current position.
The Super Eagles sit in a competitive Group C alongside South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho, where only the group winner automatically qualifies, and the best runners-up enter the playoffs.
Goalkeepers: A Mix of Reliability and Depth
Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali headlines the goalkeeping department but is listed as doubtful due to injury concerns. Obasogie and Adebayo provide solid backups, ensuring the team is prepared for any last-minute changes.
• Amas Obasogie
• Adeleye Adebayo
• Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Experience Anchors the Backline
Captain William Troost Ekong returns to bolster the defence after missing recent outings, bringing leadership and composure. Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina add Premier League pedigree, while young Benjamin Frederick offers fresh energy. This unit will be key against Rwanda’s counter-attacks and South Africa’s physical style.
• Benjamin Frederick
• Bright Osayi Samuel
• Bruno Onyemaechi
• Calvin Bassey
• Chigozie Awaziem
• Felix Agu
• Ola Aina
• William Troost Ekong
Midfielders: Creativity and Control
Besiktas’ new boy Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi form the core of a dynamic midfield, with Ndidi’s defensive prowess complementing Iwobi’s vision. Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka provide depth, while newcomers like Chrisantus Uche could inject unpredictability.
• Alex Iwobi
• Chrisantus Uche
• Fisayo Dele Bashiru
• Frank Onyeka
• Raphael Onyedika
• Wilfred Ndidi
Forwards: Star Power Up Front
The attacking line is stacked with talent, led by Victor Osimhen, whose goal-scoring exploits make him indispensable. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, fresh off a stellar season, join’s Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon for width and pace. Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers and Genk’s Tolu Arokodare round out a potent group capable of dismantling defences.
• Ademola Lookman
• Cyriel Dessers
• Moses Simon
• Samuel Chukwueze
• Tolu Arokodare
• Victor Osimhen
Notable absences and tactical insights
Strikingly absent are Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Real Sociedad’s Umar Sadiq, omissions that have sparked debate among fans. Chelle appears to prioritise form and fitness, opting for players who can deliver immediately in these high-stakes encounters. The coach’s strategy likely focuses on a balanced approach: solid defending against Rwanda to build momentum, followed by an aggressive push in the away clash with South Africa, a rematch of their dramatic AFCON semifinal earlier this year.
Nigeria’s camp opens in Uyo on September 1, giving the team time to gel under Chelle’s system. With the expanded World Cup offering more spots for African teams, these games could define the Super Eagles’ campaign. Fans are optimistic, but the pressure is on to turn potential into points.
As the qualifiers resume across Africa from September 1-9, Nigeria aims to assert dominance in a group full of surprises. Will the Super Eagles soar? The answers unfold next week.
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