- Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has unveiled a 39-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe
- Notably, New faces such as Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and Chrisantus Uche have been named for the first time
- A final 23-man squad will be selected from the provisional list ahead of the March fixtures
Nigeria’s head coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, has unveiled a 39-man provisional squad ahead of the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe this month.
The list features key players like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman, as Nigeria prepares for two must-win matches to revive their World Cup hopes.
A provisional squad is a preliminary list of players selected before the final team is trimmed down. Coaches use this approach to assess fitness levels, form, and availability before announcing the final 23-man squad that will take part in the games. This method allows for flexible changes in case of injuries or unexpected developments.
How Éric Chelle’s men could line up against Rwanda
Chelle's list includes five goalkeepers, 11 defenders, 10 midfielders, and 13 forwards, ensuring enough options across all positions.
Stanley Nwabali, who impressed at AFCON 2024, is joined by Maduka Okoye and Adeleye Adebayo in the goalkeeping department, it is likely Chelle would want Nwabali in between the sticks, not just because of his experience but for his recent performance at club level.
In defence, we could see William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Zaidu Sanusi lead a solid back lineup, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Jordan Torunarigha are also in contention. Bruno Onyemaechi and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi have been handed an opportunity to fight for a spot.
The midfield could see Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka start while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika will be among the younger talents hoping to impress from the bench.
Upfront, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze could lead a potent attacking force, and can be supported from the bench by Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, and Cyriel Dessers. Notably, Veteran Ahmed Musa also made the list.
Chelle welcomes new faces for qualifiers
The provisional squad introduces Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha to the national setup for the first time. Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, and Joseph Aribo could also mark their return to the squad if they make the final cut.
The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C, face Rwanda on March 21, in Kigali before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.
With only the group winner earning automatic qualification, the Super Eagles must secure maximum points to stay in contention. The final squad of 23 players will be announced in the coming days.
Inside Chelle’s European tour: How Nigeria’s coach is preparing for crucial qualifiers
Previously, TheRadar reported that With Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has wasted no time in taking decisive action.
In preparation for the crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, Chelle has embarked on a European tour, visiting key players to strengthen team cohesion and communicate his tactical plans.
