Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has released his 23-man squad for next month’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
The Franco-Malian tactician has largely retained the core of the team, with big names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, and Moses Simon all making the list.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who recently picked up a knock while playing for Chippa United in South Africa, has also been included after fears of a possible injury setback.
However, one of the major talking points is the absence of Victor Boniface.
The Bayer Leverkusen striker, who was set for a loan move to Italian giants AC Milan, was ruled out after medical concerns scuttled the deal.
Chelle also handed call-ups to new faces Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks, and Christantus Uche, following their impressive performances at the 2025 Unity Cup in London.
The Super Eagles will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 6 before traveling to Johannesburg to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on September 9.
FULL LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain).
Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).
It is worthy of note that Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group B with seven points from six matches and must win the remaining fixtures to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — alive.