Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is expected to unveil his final 23-man squad this week ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Malian tactician, who named a provisional 39-man squad last week, has kept fans and stakeholders on edge as they await the final list for what will be his first official games in charge of the three-time African champions.
Chelle’s appointment comes at a precarious time for Nigerian football, with the Super Eagles languishing in fifth place in Group C, having picked up just three points from a possible 12. With qualification hopes hanging by a thread, the forthcoming fixtures are considered must-win encounters.
The provisional squad released earlier by Chelle includes a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting new prospects. Notably, team captain Ahmed Musa returns to the fold, bringing with him leadership and experience as Nigeria’s most-capped player. First-time call-ups include in-form striker Tolu Arokodare and rising midfield talent Chrisantus Uche, who have impressed with their performances in Europe this season.
Other prominent names expected to feature include Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen—all of whom are seen as key to Nigeria’s chances in the upcoming double-header.
Sources close to the team indicate that the final squad will be made public after the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday. The team is expected to begin camp in Kigali on Sunday, ahead of the tie against Rwanda on March 21, followed by a home fixture against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.
Nigeria’s slow start to the qualifiers—drawing against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa and losing to Benin Republic—has left fans concerned. The current situation mirrors their ill-fated 2022 World Cup qualification bid, which ended in heartbreak after a playoff defeat to Ghana on away goals.
Rwanda currently tops Group C, making the away clash in Kigali a potential turning point in Nigeria’s campaign. With qualification for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada at stake, Chelle’s final squad selection will be closely scrutinised for insight into his tactical direction and ambitions for the team.
As anticipation builds, the focus remains firmly on the Super Eagles and their quest to revive their World Cup dream.
