Nigeria unveils final squad for September 2026 World Cup qualifiers

The Nigeria men’s national team have announced the final 23-man list ahead of their crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa next month.

 

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The squad, unveiled on Friday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), features a blend of established European-based and new talent.

Leading the charge is Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika and forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also makes the final cut as well as defenders Calvin Bassey, Olu Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka are included as are forwards Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and Cyriel Dessers.

Greece-based goalie Adeleye Adebayo returns to the group, alongside Unity Cup sensations Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks. Forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, who both impressed in the friendly with Russia in Moscow on 6th June this year.

The Super Eagles are set to confront the Amavubi of Rwanda in Matchday 7 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 6. Following that match, the team will travel to Bloemfontein to face a tough test against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 fixture on Tuesday, September 9.

These two matches are essential in Nigeria’s quest for qualification, as they currently sit in a tight group, six points back with of leaders South Africa making their clash in Bloemfontein a must-win.

FINAL LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA

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 FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

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