Eric Chelle’s possible starting XI for Rwanda vs Nigeria – Who starts, who misses out?

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to make his first appearance in the dugout later today when Nigeria file out for their all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, Footynaija.com reports.

Heading into this game, Chelle, whose Super Eagles currently sit 5th in a six-team group containing the likes of Benin Republic, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and South Africa, has assembled a very strong 23-man squad consisting of some of the best players across Europe.

For Nigeria, the mission is very clear. Secure victory against Rwanda and breathe life into their World Cup qualification hopes. With this in mind, Footynaija.com takes a look at Chelle’s possible starting XI for this must-win clash.

Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali

A solid presence at the back since making his first Super Eagles appearance back in 2021, we’re tipping Nwabali to retain his place between the sticks when Nigeria rock up to the Amahoro National Stadium. 

While Amas Obasogie and Kayode Bankole also likely have what it takes to do the job, Nwabali’s experience in a high-pressure situation such as this one definitely gives him an edge.

Defenders: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Sopuruchukwu Onyemaechi

In a possible four-man backline, we’re likely to see Aina get the nod at right-back over Bright Osayi-Samuel while Onyemaechi takes the left-back position. At the heart of defense, a pairing of team captain Troost-Ekong and the ever reliable Bassey seems like a no-brainer as both players boast the most amount of national team experience of Chelle’s available options. 

New boys Igoh Ogbu and Jordan Torunarigha inspire confidence with their presence in the squad while Osayi-Samuel will provide Chelle with a quality replacement option for Aina.

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi

We’re anticipating a midfield triad of Ndidi, Onyedika and Iwobi. On paper, these three stars seem like the best combination to guarantee solidity in the middle of the park while also encouraging efficiency in the attacking third. 

With Ndidi and Onyedika as cover, Iwobi can enjoy a free-role higher up the pitch and provide quality service for the front men. The likes of Alhassan Yusuf, Joe Aribo and Papa Mustapha Daniel will provide valuable depth for the Super Eagles.

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman

There is a high possibility we will see an attacking trio of Chukwueze, Osimhen and Lookman when the Super Eagles face off against the Amavubi later today. While Chukwueze has not quite been at it this season, the AC Milan winger remains Nigeria’s best option to play off the right flank. 

On the other hand, Osimhen and Lookman have enjoyed a fantastic campaign at Galatasaray and Atalanta respectively this season, with both players in mesmerizing goal-scoring form. Those two names will be the first ones Nigerians look out for when the official team-sheet is ready.

Who misses out?

Even with such a strong starting XI, the amount of talent left on the Super Eagles’ substitute bench is simply astonishing. Nigeria’s insane attacking depth sees the likes of Victor Boniface, Umar Sadiq, Tolu Arokodare and Simon Moses miss out on our starting XI.

Despite Arokodare’s impressive form, he is unlikely to start ahead of Osimhen, who himself is firing on all cylinders. Other uncapped players like Obasogie, Bankole, Ogbu and Mustapha may also have to make do with substitute appearances for this game.