Chelle Names 23-Man Super Eagles Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against Rwanda and South Africa

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 23-man squad ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

The list features a mix of familiar names and dependable stars. Despite sustaining an injury in Chippa United’s recent league clash, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been deemed fit enough to make the squad.

Captain William Troost-Ekong, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and creative playmakers Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi are among the high-profile regulars selected.

Also included are Wilfred Ndidi, Ola Aina, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey, forming a strong core as Nigeria prepares for the double-header.

The Super Eagles will converge in Uyo next Monday to begin camp. They are set to host Rwanda on Saturday, September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium before traveling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa three days later.

Opinion: A Squad Built on Stability, But Can It Deliver?

Coach Chelle’s squad selection sends a clear message: continuity matters. By sticking with experienced players like Osimhen, Ndidi, and Troost-Ekong, he’s banking on consistency and chemistry in a team that has often been criticized for chopping and changing.

The inclusion of Nwabali—despite injury concerns—reflects just how important the goalkeeper has become since his AFCON heroics. However, this also raises a question: is Nigeria taking too big a risk by depending on players who aren’t fully fit?

On paper, this squad looks more than capable of securing six points from the two matches. Osimhen remains the talisman, Lookman and Chukwueze bring width and flair, while Ndidi’s return adds balance in midfield. But the real test will be mentality. Rwanda and South Africa are no pushovers, and past slip-ups in qualifiers have shown that the Super Eagles cannot afford complacency.

For fans, the optimism is palpable—this squad has the firepower and depth to dominate Africa. But football is never played on paper. If Chelle can inspire his men to blend discipline with creativity, then Nigeria may just be taking decisive steps toward the 2026 World Cup.