National Teams
2026 FIFA WCQ: Eric Chelle names 31-man Nigeria squad for Rwanda, South Africa
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 31-man provisional squad ahead of the country’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa in September.
The list blends fresh faces with experienced returnees and youth, as Chelle continues to shape his team for a decisive phase of the qualifiers.
Ebenezer Harcourt, who made his mark with the Super Eagles B side in their friendly win over Congo, earns a maiden senior call-up, alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and strikers Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella.
The squad also features exciting young defender Benjamin Fredericks, as well as Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Christantus Uche, and forward Cyriel Dessers, all of whom impressed during Nigeria’s Unity Cup triumph in London last year.
Chelle has also recalled experienced campaigners including goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and forward Terem Moffi, strengthening the depth of the squad.
Currently sitting fourth in Group C, Nigeria will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein for a blockbuster clash with South Africa on Tuesday, September 9.
The Super Eagles’ training camp officially opens in Uyo on Monday, September 1.
31 SUPER EAGLES IN PROVISIONAL LIST FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting FC)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Adams Akor (Sevilla FC, Spain)
