Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to announce his final 23-man squad this week ahead of Nigeria’s must-win 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
Chelle, who named a 39-man provisional squad last week, has kept fans in suspense as they await his final selection for what will be his first competitive games in charge of the three-time African champions.
The Malian coach takes over at a challenging time, with Nigeria struggling in their qualification campaign, having secured only three points from a possible 12. His squad selection is expected to reflect his plans to revamp the team’s fortunes.
Among the key names in the provisional squad is veteran captain Ahmed Musa, whose experience could be crucial in rallying the squad. New faces include striker Tolu Arokodare and midfielder Chrisantus Uche, both of whom have impressed in European leagues this season. Established stars like Alex Iwobi, Victor Boniface, and Victor Osimhen are also expected to play key roles.
Sources indicate that Chelle is likely to release the final squad list after the UEFA Champions League round of 16 matches on Wednesday. The team is scheduled to begin preparations in Kigali on Sunday ahead of their match against Rwanda on March 21, followed by a home fixture against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes are hanging in the balance after a poor start, which included draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, as well as a shocking loss to Benin Republic. The team currently sits fifth in Group C, making the upcoming games critical.
With Rwanda leading the group, the away match in Kigali poses a significant challenge. Anything less than six points from the two fixtures could severely dent Nigeria’s chances of reaching the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
As the final squad announcement approaches, attention is on Chelle’s choices, which will offer the first real glimpse into his tactical approach and vision for the Super Eagles.
