Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has officially announced his final 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The most notable omissions from the list are veteran forward Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped player, and Maduka Okoye, the Udinese goalkeeper. This bold move signals a shift in strategy as Chelle prioritizes in-form and emerging players to strengthen Nigeria’s chances of securing a World Cup spot.
The announcement, made on March 11, 2025, has sparked debates among Nigerian football fans. Ahmed Musa, who has been a key figure for the Super Eagles for over a decade, was initially included in the provisional 39-man squad but did not make the final cut. Similarly, Maduka Okoye, who has struggled for consistent game time at Udinese, was also left out.
Chelle’s selection features a mix of experienced players and promising talents, ensuring Nigeria fields a competitive squad for the crucial matches ahead. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi are among the key players included.
Full 23-Man Squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)
- Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem)
- Victor Sochima (Rivers United)
Defenders:
- William Troost-Ekong (PAOK)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham)
- Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Brom)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe)
- Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)
- Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista)
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
- Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
- Joe Aribo (Southampton)
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
- Moses Simon (Nantes)
Forwards:
- Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
- Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest)
- Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Gift Orban (KAA Gent)
- Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest)
By omitting Ahmed Musa and Maduka Okoye, Chelle appears to be making tactical adjustments. Musa’s experience and leadership are undeniable, but his recent form may have influenced the decision. Meanwhile, Okoye has struggled to secure regular playing time at Udinese, which may have contributed to his exclusion.
Instead, the coach is relying on top-performing stars like Osimhen, Lookman, and Boniface, who are currently excelling at their respective clubs. The inclusion of players like Gift Orban and Emmanuel Dennis highlights a focus on dynamic attacking options.
The Super Eagles will begin their training camp in Kigali on March 16 in preparation for their first match against Rwanda on March 21. These qualifiers are crucial for Nigeria’s ambitions to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.