Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has named captain William Ekong, star forward Victor Osimhen, midfield maestro Alex Iwobi, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in Nigeria’s 31-man provisional squad for next month’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
Also listed are dependable defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, as well as attacking threats Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Victor Boniface.
The squad features a blend of experience and fresh talent, with exciting inclusions such as young goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Benjamin Fredericks and Felix Agu, and midfielder Christantus Uche, who impressed at the 2025 Unity Cup Tournament in London. Forward Cyriel Dessers also makes the cut after his standout performances in the same competition.
Returns for goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and striker Terem Moffi further strengthen the squad’s depth.
Nigeria, currently sitting fourth in the qualification group, will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, September 6, before traveling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa in a high-stakes clash on Tuesday, September 9. The Eagles’ camp opens in Uyo on September 1.
Full 31-Man Provisional List
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, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).
Abaribe Camp Counters Ichita’s Claims, Showcases Legislative Achievements, Abia South Projects
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain).
Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (Nice, France); Adams Akor (Sevilla, Spain).
About the Author
