Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named his inaugural squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, blending established stars, returning veterans, and fresh faces in a bid to revive the team’s faltering campaign. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C after a winless start (two draws) under previous management, heightening the stakes for June’s matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Squad Overview:
Chelle’s 23-man roster features a mix of European-based stars, NPFL talent, and in-form forwards, signaling a focus on experience and momentum. The squad includes captain William Troost-Ekong, red-hot striker Victor Osimhen, and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who returns after missing the 2023 AFCON.
Key Highlights by Position:
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa): The AFCON 2023 hero, with 16 caps and seven clean sheets this season, is expected to start.
Amas Obasogie(Singida Black Stars, Tanzania): Uncapped despite nine call-ups, he brings form from Tanzania’s top flight.
Kayode Bankole(Remo Stars): First senior call-up for the NPFL standout after impressing with the CHAN team.
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong(PAOK, Greece): The captain, now at PAOK, anchors the backline with 71 caps.
Calvin Bassey (Fulham): A Premier League regular, pivotal in Fulham’s mid-table surge.
Igho Ogbu (Slavia Prague): Potential debutant, praised for his goal-scoring form in the Czech Liga.
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City): Returns with Championship promotion pedigree and Atletico Madrid transfer rumors.
Alex Iwobi (Fulham): Nigeria’s most-capped active player (83 appearances), fresh off a career-best Premier League season.
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes): Surprise NPFL inclusion despite recent inactivity; noted for creativity.
Forwards:
Victor Osimhen (Napoli/Galatasaray): Equaled Segun Odegbami’s scoring record (23 goals) and leads the line after a prolific loan spell.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta): CAF Player of the Year nominee, Serie A’s top-rated forward this season.
Tolu Arokodare (Genk): First call-up after topping the Belgian scoring charts with 16 league goals.
Coaching Staff:
Chelle, a former Mali coach, is supported by assistants Hedi Taboubi (ex-Mali staff) and NPFL coaches Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars) and Fidelis Ilechukwu. Fitness coach Thomas Gornourec and goalkeeping trainer Jean-Daniel Padovani round out the backroom team.
Context:
Chelle, appointed in January, has prioritized scouting Nigerian talent domestically and abroad. His squad aims to reignite World Cup hopes, with Nigeria needing victories to climb Group C. The Super Eagles face South Africa in Uyo on June 7 before traveling to Abidjan to play Benin on June 10.
Conclusion:
With a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, Chelle’s first selection underscores a tactical shift toward dynamism and clinical finishing. All eyes will be on Osimhen and Lookman to deliver as Nigeria seeks its first win in the qualifiers.
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