The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to announce the final list of 23 players for next week’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe tomorrow.
Super Eagles coach Eric Sekou Chelle’s 39-man provisional list was unveiled last Wednesday, sparking criticism from the press and public regarding the inclusion of certain players, such as ‘retiring’ captain Ahmed Musa of Kano Pillars and out-of-form Middlesbrough striker Kelechi Iheanacho, among others.
Over the weekend, speculation has been rife about the final 23-man squad for the crucial back-to-back fixtures. However, a reliable source close to the preparations has informed NationSports that the official list will likely be released on Tuesday, barring any last-minute changes.
Over the weekend, there were speculations about who and who have made the final shortlist of 23 players that will prosecute the must-wins two matches but a decent source privy to the arrangements for the matches, has told NationSports that the final list will most likely be released ‘on Tuesday barring any last minute change of mind’.
“Of course, the final list of 23 players for the two matches should be out this week,” he said. “ Unless something happens, the 23-man list should be ready Tuesday.”
Our correspondent also gathered that the Super Eagles’ advance party for the match against the Amavubi of Rwanda on March 21 would most likely depart for Kigali on Friday.
“ The final 23 players should start arriving in Kigali by the weekend, so the advance party will depart by Friday,” he added.
The Super Eagles are in fifth position with three points from their opening four matches in Group C.
Incidentally, the Amavubi are leading the section with seven points –the same as South Africa and Benin- while the Brave Warriors of Zimbabwe who meets the Super Eagles in Uyo on Matchday 6, are in fourth position with four points. Lesotho occupies the sixth position on the table.
