Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 31-man provisional squad ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa next month, Bold Sports reports.
Nigeria will host Rwanda on September 6 before traveling to face South Africa on September 9, as the Super Eagles aim to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Currently sitting fourth in Group C with seven points, the Super Eagles face a must-win situation, with Rwanda occupying second place with eight points and South Africa leading the group on 13 points. Maximum points in both fixtures are vital to ensure Nigeria remains in contention for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
One of the biggest headline is the inclusion of 15-year-old goalkeeping prodigy Emmanuel Harcourt, who earns his first senior team call-up after impressing with the Super Eagles B side in the ongoing African Nations Championship.
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Another youngster, Benjamin Fredrick, also makes the list among the defenders, while Chidozie Awaziem, who recently joined Nantes, returns to the squad. In addition, Felix Agu, who switched allegiance to represent Nigeria and featured in the Unity Cup, has been handed a call-up.
In midfield, the usual names remain, including Wilfred Ndidi, who recently signed for Turkish side Besiktas, alongside Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Alhassan Yusuf. There’s also a place for Getafe star Christantus Uche, who gets another opportunity to shine.
Upfront, the Super Eagles boast a formidable attack led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman — currently in transfer limbo after a failed move to Inter Milan — and Victor Boniface, who is on the verge of joining AC Milan. Tolu Arokodare, linked with a potential transfer to Napoli, is also included, alongside Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Nathan Tella, Terem Moffi, Sadiq Umar, Cyriel Dessers, and Akor Adams.
Full 31-Man Provisional Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye, Harcourt Ebenezer
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredricks
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf, Christantus Uche
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Terem Moffi, Sadiq Umar, Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams
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