The 23-man Super Eagles squad representing Nigeria in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe has been officially announced.
Head coach Eric Chelle revealed the finalized roster on Tuesday, March 11, through the Super Eagles’ social media platforms, having reduced the initial provisional squad of 39 players that generated significant discussion the previous week.
Chelle has chosen a well-rounded team, which includes three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and eight forwards.
As anticipated, prominent members of the Super Eagles have been selected, with Africa Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen leading the offensive line.
Stanley Nwabali continues to hold his position as goalkeeper, while defensive mainstays William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey are also part of the squad. In the midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka are key figures.
Genk forward Tolu Arokodare and former Enyimba goalkeeper Amas Obasogie have also secured their places in the final roster.
It is noteworthy that 16 players from the preliminary squad were omitted, including Göztepe’s Anthony Dennis and Southampton’s Paul Onuachu.
Despite an impressive performance for Udinese upon his return from injury, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has not been included. Additionally, team captain Ahmed Musa and Rangers player Cyriel Dessers are absent from the final selection.
Nigeria is set to face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, followed by a match against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo four days later.
Both matches are crucial for the Super Eagles, who have had a challenging start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The team has recorded three draws and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic prior to the appointment of Chelle as manager in January.
Chelle, the former coach of the Mali national team, is the first non-Nigerian African to lead the Super Eagles.
Here is the full list of players:
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
- Kayode Bankole [Remo Stars, Nigeria]
Defenders:
- William 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 [Genk, Belgium]
