Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has released his first provisional squad list as Nigeria steps up preparations for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The list features a mix of experience and fresh talent, including five goalkeepers, ten defenders, ten midfielders, and 14 attackers.
Captain Ahmed Musa makes a return to the squad for the first time since the 2023 AFCON, alongside assistant captain William Troost-Ekong.
The attack is led by Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer, currently on loan at Galatasaray, while reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, also makes the cut.
Chelle has introduced several new faces, including Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu, Genk Striker Tolu Arokodare.
Enugu Rangers’ Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, CHAN Eagles star Papa Daniel Mustapha, Turkey-based Anthony Dennis, and Sevilla’s Akor Adams.
Notably, four NPFL players have been included, emphasizing the coach’s intent to tap into domestic talent.
Despite injury concerns, Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (ankle) and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye (out since December) have also been named.
Nigeria faces Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, two must-win matches as the Super Eagles look to reignite their World Cup qualifying campaign.
With only the group winner earning automatic qualification, Chelle’s side must secure maximum points to keep their hopes alive.
His final 23-man squad, which will confirm the players set to feature in the must-win qualifiers, is expected to be announced next week.
Full Super Eagles Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Neon Paralimni, Cyprus)
Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders
William Troost-Ekong (Al Khalood, Saudi Arabia)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Turkey)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium)
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Midfielders
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England, USA)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)
Anthony Dennis (Göztepe, Turkey)
Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
