Nigeria have named a 23-man squad for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, with captain William Troost-Ekong and star striker Victor Osimhen headlining the list.
The Super Eagles, chasing a seventh appearance at the finals, host Rwanda’s Amavubi in Uyo on Saturday, 6 September, before travelling to Bloemfontein for a decisive clash with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana three days later.
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who impressed at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, keeps his place as first choice despite limping off in a recent South African Premier League fixture.
He is joined by Volos FC’s Adeleye Adebayo, who returns to the fold, and Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie.
Captain William Troost-Ekong of Al-Kholood in Saudi Arabia, will anchor a backline that blends experience and fresh faces.
Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, alongside Birmingham City’s Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olympiakos full-back Bruno Onyemaechi.
There is also room for Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu and 20-year-old Benjamin Fredericks, who has been impressing in Belgium.
Super Eagles of Nigeria Photo Credit: X
The midfield boasts Premier League presence in Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka. Wilfred Ndidi, now with Turkish giants Besiktas, adds defensive stability.
Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru provide energy, while Getafe’s Christantus Uche has been rewarded for his strong form.
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Galatasaray forward Osimhen leads a dangerous attack that also includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Cyriel Dessers.
Genk’s Tolu Arokodare, who impressed in June’s friendly against Russia, also makes the cut.
Nigeria’s full 23-man squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-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: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
Fixtures
Nigeria v Rwanda – Saturday, 6 September, Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
South Africa v Nigeria – Tuesday, 9 September, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
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Both games are pivotal in Group C, where South Africa currently lead the standings with Nigeria trailing in fourth. Victory in either fixture could revive the Super Eagles’ faltering qualification hopes.
