New Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has named both Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The inclusion of Osimhen, who has missed Nigeria’s first four qualifying matches due to injury, is a significant boost for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria have endured a slow start to their qualifying campaign, currently sitting second-bottom in Group C with three draws and one defeat. They trail group leaders Rwanda and South Africa by four points. The return of Osimhen, a prolific goalscorer, is seen as crucial to revitalizing their chances.
Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, also features in the squad. Lookman is enjoying another impressive season with Atalanta, having scored 18 goals in all competitions.
Nigeria will face Rwanda away on March 21st, followed by a home match against bottom-of-the-table Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25th.
Chelle, formerly the manager of Mali, was appointed as Nigeria’s head coach in January. He has been tasked with improving the team’s World Cup qualifying form, having already secured a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations late last year.
The full squad list is as follows:
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Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United/RSA), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars/TAN), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
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Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood/KSA), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce/TUR), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos/GRE), Calvin Bassey (Fulham/ENG), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague/CZE)
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Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City/ENG), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge/BEL), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution/USA), Alex Iwobi (Fulham/ENG), Joe Aribo (Southampton/ENG), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
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Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan/ITA), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray/TUR), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/ITA), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Moses Simon (Nantes/FRA), Sadiq Umar (Valencia/ESP), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Tolu Arokodare (Genk/BEL)
The squad selection reflects Chelle’s intention to blend experienced players with in-form stars as Nigeria seek to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track.
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