Super Eagles
By Ab Susan
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. Notably, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has made the final cut despite concerns over his fitness due to an injury sustained during a league match against Richards Bay. Conversely, striker Victor Boniface is surprisingly left out of the squad amid ongoing fitness concerns.
The Super Eagles’ squad features a mix of experienced players and young talent. Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, and Adeleye Adebayo are set to battle for playing time. The defense is led by seasoned players like William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who will be crucial in anchoring the backline.
The midfield boasts creativity and tenacity with players like Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, and Christantus Uche. The attacking unit features dynamic players like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare, who will be expected to score crucial goals.
The team will face Rwanda on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, followed by a match against South Africa on September 9 in Bloemfontein. With only seven points from six matches, Nigeria sits fourth in Group C and needs to secure maximum points from these matches to stay in contention for the World Cup.
The absence of Victor Boniface is notable, and the inclusion of Stanley Nwabali despite his injury concerns has raised eyebrows. However, Coach Chelle’s decisions will likely be guided by the need to secure positive results in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles will be looking to make a strong impression and revive their World Cup hopes.
The upcoming matches will be crucial for Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations, and the team will need to perform well to stay in contention. The squad’s composition suggests a balance between experience and youth, which could be key to their success in the qualifiers.
