Coach Eric Sekou Chelle is expected to unveil his eagerly awaited list of Super Eagles players for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers today, ahead of the crucial double-header against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Nigeria will face Rwanda away on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later. These matches are vital for the Super Eagles, who find themselves in an unfamiliar fifth place in Group C after securing only three points from their first four qualifiers.
Chelle, who was appointed in late January to help salvage Nigeria’s faltering World Cup campaign, has traveled extensively across Europe and Nigeria to assemble his first squad. The list, which could be unveiled today or by the end of the week, includes 30 players, with a few on standby in case of any last-minute changes.
A reliable source told NationSports, “The list for the matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe is ready, and most likely, it will be released on Tuesday (today) or at worst, before the end of the week.”
Among the familiar names expected to feature are Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, and William Troost-Ekong. However, Chelle is also set to invite two former national team cadet players: striker Tolu Arokodare and defender Igoh Ogbu.
Arokodare, 24, has been in excellent form for Genk in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, scoring 16 goals in 28 matches. Ogbu, a dynamic presence in the Czech Super Liga with Slavia Praha, has made a significant impact as well.
Chelle has emphasized that securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is his top priority, stressing the importance of securing victories in the upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
