Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

World Cup qualifiers: Chelle releases Super Eagles final shortlist for Rwanda, S’Africa clashes

Eric Chelle

Eric Chelle

By John Ogunsemore

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has released his final 23-man shortlist for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

Nigeria face Rwanda on Saturday, September 6 and South Africa on Tuesday, September 9.

Notable omissions from Chelle’s squad include Bayern Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella.

Umar Sadiq of Real Sociedad has also been left out.

The selected 23 include:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)