Super Eagles new Head Coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, has named a provisional list of 39 players for this month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
With a mix of experience, blossoming talents, and a few surprises, the quality of players available to Chelle, who was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in January, is not in doubt. Although Nigeria is currently fifth in Group C behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic and Lesotho, the three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions are expected to make it through.
Chelle’s 39-man provisional squad is a blend of continuity and experimentation. Familiar faces like William Ekong, Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman remain central to the team’s core, but there are also fresh inclusions such as defenders Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielders Anthony Dennis and Chrisantus Uche, and forwards Tolu Arokodare and Jerome Akor Adams. This suggests a willingness to inject new energy into the squad while maintaining a backbone of experienced players.
In contrast, Austin Eguavoen’s tenure was marked by a reliance on established stars, often at the expense of integrating younger talents. His interim spell, particularly during the 2021 AFCON and the ill-fated World Cup playoff against Ghana, was criticized for a lack of tactical flexibility and failure to maximize the squad’s potential. Finidi George, though still early in his coaching career, brought a more progressive approach during his time with the team, emphasizing attacking football. However, his influence was limited, and the team struggled with consistency.
Chelle’s selection seems to strike a balance between Eguavoen’s conservatism and Finidi’s bravado. By calling up players like Nathan Tella and Cyriel Dessers, who have been in good form for their clubs, Chelle is signaling his intent to reward performance and build a competitive squad.
Building on Peseiro’s Foundation
It was not all rosy for former coach Jose Peseiro in his stint with the Super Eagles. While he guided the team to the 2023 AFCON final, Peseiro’s pragmatic style of play often drew criticism from fans who desired more attacking flair. The Portuguese-led Eagles were defensively solid, but mostly lacked the creativity and ruthlessness needed to dominate games.
Chelle appears to be building on Peseiro’s defensive foundation while addressing the team’s attacking shortcomings. The inclusion of creative midfielders like Alex Iwobi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, alongside in-form forwards such as Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze, suggests a shift towards a more balanced and dynamic style of play.
The immediate task for Chelle is to revive Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Currently fifth in Group C, the Super Eagles cannot afford any more slip-ups. The matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe are must-win, and Chelle’s ability to galvanize the squad will be crucial.
The ultimate test will be the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco later this year. With a squad brimming with talent, Chelle has the tools to compete for the title. However, success will depend on his ability to foster team cohesion, implement a clear tactical identity, and manage the pressures that come with coaching one of Africa’s most successful national teams.
The Super Eagles will tackle current Group leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, March 21, before taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo four days later.
Nigeria’s 39-man Provisional List for Rwanda, Zimbabwe
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Jordan Torunarigha (Gent FC, Belgium); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Anthony Dennis (Goztepe SK, Turkey); Chrisantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough FC, England); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England); Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
