Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to unveil his final 23-man squad this week for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month. The Malian tactician, who named a provisional squad of 39 players last week, has kept fans on edge as they eagerly await his selection for what will be his debut matches in charge of the three-time African champions.
Chelle’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Nigerian football, with the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes hanging in the balance after a poor start to their campaign, having earned only three points from a possible 12.
The provisional squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, indicating Chelle’s intent to refresh a team that has struggled for form and consistency in recent times. Notable names in the provisional squad include veteran captain Ahmed Musa, whose return has been widely celebrated by fans. As the most-capped player in Nigerian football history, Musa’s leadership will be crucial as the team battles through these challenging times.
Also included are first-time call-ups for in-form striker Tolu Arokodare and promising midfielder Chrisantus Uche, both of whom have been impressive in European football this season. Other key players in the squad include Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who are all expected to play central roles in the upcoming qualifiers.
Chelle is expected to announce the final squad list after Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 matches, with the team set to resume camp in Kigali on Sunday ahead of their matches.
The Super Eagles’ current position is a result of a rocky start to their qualification campaign, having drawn against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and suffered a shock defeat to Benin Republic. They currently sit fifth in Group C with only three points, mirroring the struggles of their 2022 World Cup qualification campaign, where they missed out on a spot after a 1-1 aggregate draw with Ghana in the final playoff round.
The upcoming fixtures against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 and Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25 are now must-win games for Nigeria, with anything less than six points likely to seriously hamper their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Rwanda currently leads Group C, making the away match in Kigali particularly crucial and potentially decisive for Nigeria’s qualification bid.
As the countdown to the double-header begins, all eyes will be on Chelle’s final squad selection, offering the first real glimpse into his tactical vision and approach for managing one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
