Nigeria’s national football team head coach Eric Chelle is expected to announce his final 23-player selection this week as the Super Eagles prepare for their important 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe scheduled for later this month.
The Malian manager, who previously released an expanded list of 39 players, has football fans across Nigeria eagerly waiting to see who will make the cut for what will mark his first matches leading the three-time African champions.
Chelle takes charge at a critical moment for Nigerian football, with the team’s World Cup qualification campaign in jeopardy after a disappointing start that has produced just three points from their first four matches.
The provisional squad combines established players with emerging talent, suggesting Chelle’s intention to breathe new life into a team that has struggled to find consistency in recent outings.
Team captain Ahmed Musa features prominently in the initial selection, a move widely supported by fans. As Nigeria’s most capped international player, Musa’s experience could be crucial as the team navigates through this difficult period.
Several players received their first national team call-ups, including in-form striker Tolu Arokodare and midfielder Chrisantus Uche, both making names for themselves in European competitions this season.
The squad also includes established stars like Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, all expected to play key roles in the upcoming fixtures.
Sources indicate that Chelle will finalize his squad after Wednesday’s Champions League matches conclude, with the team scheduled to begin training in Kigali on Sunday ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Nigeria’s qualification struggles stem from a series of disappointing results, including draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, along with a defeat to Benin Republic, leaving them fifth in Group C.
This situation recalls their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, when they lost their spot to Ghana on away goals in the final playoff round.
The upcoming matches—against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 and Zimbabwe at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium on March 25—are now must-win encounters. Anything less than maximum points could significantly damage Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Rwanda currently tops Group C, making the away fixture particularly challenging and potentially decisive for Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
As match day approaches, attention focuses on Chelle’s final selection, which will provide the first glimpse into his tactical approach to managing one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
