Chelle names Ekong, Osimhen, Lookman in final 23 for crucial World Cup qualifiers

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigeria head coach Finidi Chelle has announced his final 23-man squad for next month’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, with captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman all making the list.

Midfield regulars Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika are retained, while AFCON hero Stanley Nwabali leads the goalkeeping department. In defence, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel headline the options, alongside midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka.

Up front, Chelle has kept faith with Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Cyriel Dessers, while Osimhen returns to spearhead the attack.

There are notable inclusions and returns: Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo is recalled, while Unity Cup standouts Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks get their first taste of competitive action. Forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who impressed in June’s friendly against Russia, are also drafted in.

The Super Eagles host Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 6 September (Matchday 7), before traveling to Bloemfontein for a high-stakes clash with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, 9 September (Matchday 8).

Final 23-Man Super Eagles Squad for Rwanda & South Africa

Goalkeepers

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)

• Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

• Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders

• William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)

• Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)

• Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)

• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)

• Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France)

• Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany)

• Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium)

Midfielders

• Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)

• Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)

• Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)

• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)

• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

• Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)

Forwards

• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)

• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)

• Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)

• Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland)

• Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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