Head Coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 31-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa next month, with skipper William Troost-Ekong leading the charge.

The tactician retained his trusted spine, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon for the must-win fixtures.

There is also a fresh injection of youth, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defender Benjamin Fredericks, and midfielder Christantus Uche all receiving call-ups after impressing at the 2025 Unity Cup in London. Forward Cyriel Dessers and defender Felix Agu also earned recalls on the back of strong performances.

Chelle has equally handed lifelines to experienced names such as goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem, and striker Terem Moffi as he seeks to revive Nigeria’s faltering qualification campaign.

Currently sitting fourth in Group C with seven points from six games, the Super Eagles are under immense pressure. Their only win so far came against Rwanda in Kigali, while three draws and a shock defeat to Benin Republic have left them chasing leaders South Africa (13 points), with Rwanda and Benin tied on eight points apiece.

Nigeria will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa in a high-stakes clash on Tuesday, September 9. Camp opens in Uyo on Monday, September 1.

With only group winners qualifying automatically for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Chelle knows his side must secure maximum points and hope results elsewhere tilt in their favour.

The coach’s selection reflects a strong attacking intent, with 11 forwards named in the provisional list, including nine defenders and seven midfielders.

Full 31-Man Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Nwabali, Obasogie, Adeleye, Harcourt

Defenders: Troost-Ekong, Bassey, Aina, Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi, Ogbu, Awaziem, Agu, Fredericks

Midfielders: Iwobi, Onyeka, Yusuf, Ndidi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyedika, Uche

Forwards: Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Simon, Boniface, Dessers, Sadiq, Tella, Arokodare, Moffi, Akor Adams.