Super Eagles defenders Captain William Troost-Ekong, midgamers Raphael Onyedika and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman lead Nigeria’s final 23-man squad for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remains in the list, and defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel also remain in the list. Midfield is occupied by Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Frank Onyeka, whereas Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Cyriel Dessers return to the squad.
Greece player Adeleye Adebayo is recalled to the team, while new stars Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks are drafted in after impressing at the Unity Cup. Forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare are also selected for their outstanding performances throughout June’s friendly against Russia in Moscow.
The Super Eagles play Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, September 6 (Matchday 7) then away from home against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9 (Matchday 8).
Full List of Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William 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 (Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Italy – Atalanta); Samuel Chukwueze (Italy – AC Milan); Victor Osimhen (Turkey – Galatasaray); Moses Simon (France – Paris FC); Cyriel Dessers (Scotland – Rangers); Tolu Arokodare (Belgium – Genk).
