Key Absentees and New Call-Ups
Ahmed Musa, who was controversially included in the provisional 39-man squad despite not playing for the national team in nearly a year, was left out of the final list. Iheanacho, who plays for Middlesbrough, was also omitted. Musa, Nigeria’s most-capped player, was part of the Super Eagles squad that won silver at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but did not feature in any matches during the tournament.
Chelle handed maiden call-ups to Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk), Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague), and Papa Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), signaling a shift toward integrating new talent. The squad also sees the return of Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen) and Joe Aribo (Southampton) after extended absences.
Experienced Core Retained
The final squad includes several key players who were instrumental in Nigeria’s recent campaigns, such as Alex Iwobi (Fulham), William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Simon Moses (FC Nantes), and Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United). Other regulars like Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), and Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) also made the cut.
Crucial Matches Ahead
Nigeria will face Rwanda on March 21 in Kigali before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25. These matches are critical for the Super Eagles, who have had a disappointing start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, managing only three points from four games (all draws). They currently sit four points behind Group C leaders Rwanda.
Chelle’s Herculean Task
The qualifiers mark Eric Chelle’s first competitive matches as Super Eagles coach since his appointment in January. The Malian tactician faces the daunting task of turning around Nigeria’s fortunes and keeping their World Cup hopes alive. With the team struggling for form, Chelle will rely on a blend of experience and emerging talent to deliver positive results.
Full Squad List
Defenders:
- William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
- Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
- Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
- Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
- Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards:
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)
- Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain)
- Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
As the Super Eagles prepare for these pivotal qualifiers, fans will be hoping for a strong performance to reignite their World Cup dreams.