2026 World Cup: Osimhen, Iwobi — meet Nigeria’s squad against South Africa, Rwanda

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled his final 23-man Super Eagles squad for next month’s all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa.

The squad, announced on Friday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department, is spearheaded by captain William Troost-Ekong, lethal striker Victor Osimhen, and midfield maestro Alex Iwobi—signaling Chelle’s intent to go all out for maximum points.

Currently sitting fourth in Group C, Nigeria faces a must-win doubleheader. The Eagles will host Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on 6 September, before a fiery clash against arch-rivals South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on 9 September. These two games could prove decisive in reviving Nigeria’s World Cup dreams after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Among the notable inclusions is Stanley Nwabali, who has shaken off injury concerns to retain his spot. He joins defensive stalwarts Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel in a solid backline. The midfield sees the return of Wilfred Ndidi from injury, linking up with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, while wingers Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze will inject pace and creativity on the flanks.

Chelle has also handed chances to emerging stars such as Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks, who caught the eye at the Unity Cup, as well as strikers Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare, both of whom impressed in June’s friendly against Russia.

At the heart of Nigeria’s charge is Osimhen, Africa’s reigning Footballer of the Year, now at Galatasaray, supported by attacking options including Cyriel Dessers, Moses Simon, and Lookman—making the Eagles one of the most formidable forward lines on the continent.

The showdown with South Africa is expected to rekindle one of Africa’s fiercest football rivalries. With Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad boasting the likes of Lyle Foster, Ronwen Williams, and Evidence Makgopa, fans can expect a thrilling contest under the Bloemfontein lights.

📋 EAGLES – SEPTEMBER 2025

Next month: World Cup qualifiers vs. Rwanda 🇷🇼 & South Africa 🇿🇦!#Naija4thewin #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/fWodiRLkKE

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) August 29, 2025

Final 23-Man Super Eagles Squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, RSA), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, TAN), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, GRE)

Defenders: William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche

Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare