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Eric Chelle has made his first big move as Super Eagles head coach by unveiling a 39-man provisional squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Footynaija.com reports.
The former Mali national team boss has largely kept faith with the core of the squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but has also injected fresh faces to signal a new era for Nigeria’s national team.
With five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 10 midfielders, and 14 attackers, Chelle’s maiden squad has sparked mixed reactions among fans and pundits.
Here is a deep dive into the top talking points from the list — capturing the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Talking point 1: Captain Musa’s return — A masterstroke for team harmony
Ahmed Musa is a living legend of Nigerian football — the most-capped Super Eagles player in history and a two-time World Cup goalscorer.
At 31, the former Leicester City forward is no longer the explosive winger who lit up the 2014 World Cup, and his return to the domestic scene with Kano Pillars shows how far his career has wound down.
However, his influence in the dressing room cannot be overstated. Chelle’s decision to recall Musa could prove a masterstroke in uniting the squad.
Roster for #2026WCQ vs Rwanda and Zimbabwe #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/rljpOZkyyd
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 4, 2025
Younger players like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman hold him in high regard, and his calming presence could be crucial in the pressure-cooker environment of World Cup qualifiers.
It may not be a popular decision — but in terms of leadership and team harmony, it makes perfect sense.
Talking point 2: Fresh faces, fresh energy
One of the biggest criticisms of the Super Eagles in recent years has been the lack of fresh blood in the squad. Chelle has wasted no time in addressing that.
The inclusion of Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Tolu Arokodare (Genk), Christantus Uche (Getafe), and Anthony Dennis (Göztepe) signals a bold attempt to rebuild the squad with new energy.
Ogbu has been one of Nigeria’s best-performing defenders in Europe, while Arokodare’s goalscoring exploits in Belgium make him a long-overdue addition to the squad.
Getafe’s Uche has been one of La Liga’s surprise packages this season, and his invitation is a reward for consistency in one of the world’s toughest leagues.
Chelle’s willingness to look beyond the usual names is a refreshing departure from the old guard’s culture of closed-door selections.
Talking point 3: Room for NPFL stars — Finally
For years, local players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have been overlooked in favour of foreign-based stars — often to the detriment of the national team.
Chelle has made a significant statement by inviting Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers), and Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes).
These players have been among the standout performers in the NPFL this season, and their inclusion could finally bridge the gap between the domestic league and the national team.
Talking point 4: Injury gambles
While the inclusion of injured players is not uncommon in international squads, Chelle’s decision to call up players like Maduka Okoye, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Akor Adams raises eyebrows. These are players currently recovering from varying degrees of injury troubles.
With so many talented and fit players available, it feels like an unnecessary risk to gamble on players who may not be fully match-fit.
The World Cup qualifiers are not the time for sentiment — Chelle must prioritise fitness and form above all else.
Full Super Eagles squad
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Neon Paralimni, Cyprus), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders
William Ekong (Al Khalood, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece), Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Midfielders
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England, USA), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany), Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton, England), Anthony Dennis (Goztepe, Turkey), Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Simon Moses (Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain), Paul Onuachu (Southampton, England), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)
