Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is preparing to unveil his final 23-man squad this week as Nigeria gears up for two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Having initially released a 39-man provisional squad, Chelle has kept football fans in suspense as they eagerly await his final list. These matches will be his first official games in charge of the three-time African champions, and he steps into the role at a challenging moment. Nigeria’s qualification hopes are in jeopardy following a disappointing start, with the team collecting just three points from a possible 12.
The expanded squad showcases a balance of experienced players and fresh faces, indicating the coach’s intention to rebuild and inject new energy into a squad that has struggled with consistency in recent matches.
Among the key names in the squad is captain Ahmed Musa, whose return has been met with optimism by supporters. As the most-capped player in Nigeria’s history, his leadership could be an asset as the team seeks to turn its fortunes around. Also earning their first call-ups are Tolu Arokodare and Chrisantus Uche, who have impressed with their performances in European leagues. The squad also includes established stars such as Alex Iwobi of Fulham, Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, all of whom are expected to play vital roles in the upcoming games.
Reports suggest that Chelle will release the final squad list after the UEFA Champions League round of 16 concludes on Wednesday. The Super Eagles are set to commence their training camp in Kigali on Sunday as they intensify preparations for these decisive encounters.
Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been underwhelming, with the team managing only draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before suffering a shocking loss to Benin Republic. These results have left them in fifth place in Group C with just three points. The situation is reminiscent of their failed 2022 World Cup qualification bid, where they missed out on a place in Qatar after drawing 1-1 on aggregate with Ghana, ultimately losing on away goals.
With their World Cup ambitions hanging in the balance, the upcoming matches are crucial. The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before facing Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25. Anything short of maximum points from these two games could significantly harm their chances of making it to the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Rwanda currently leads Group C, making the away match in Kigali a tough challenge that could determine the trajectory of Nigeria’s qualification campaign. As the countdown continues, all attention will be on Chelle’s final squad selection, which will provide the first clear indication of his tactical plans for the team.
