The March international break is fast approaching with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, due to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in two must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification games on March 19 and 22 respectively, Footynaija.com reports.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 39-man provisional squad in anticipation of these crucial encounters. The final squad list to take on Rwanda and Zimbabwe though, will consist of 23 players.
As Chelle ponders his final list, Footynaija.com takes a look at five Naija stars currently in red-hot form, going into these all-important games.
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5. Calvin Bassey
Bassey has been a constant presence in defence Fulham this season. The 25-year-old center-back has played virtually every minute of the Cottagers’ Premier League season, missing just one of their 27 games so far and he has barely put a foot wrong.
With his performances in the heart of defense, Bassey has helped Fulham achieve the seventh best defensive record in the league. His assured presence will be a big defensive boost for Chelle’s Super Eagles as they seek to get their qualifying campaign back on track.
4. Alex Iwobi
Another Fulham star in the Super Eagles setup, Iwobi is currently enjoying his most prolific campaign since becoming a professional footballer.
An ever-present feature for Marco Silva’s side, the former Arsenal man has been at the center of good the Cottagers have produced this term.
Iwobi has registered 7 goals and 4 assists in 28 appearances. The 28-year-old’s creativity and scoring touch could be crucial for the Super Eagles when they come up against their group C opponents.
3. Umar Sadiq
Despite enduring a difficult start to the season with Real Sociedad, Sadiq has turned things around since securing a loan move to La Liga rivals Valencia.
Sadiq is currently one of the most in-form strikers in the Spanish top-flight, with the Nigeria international registering a tally of four goals in his last four appearances for Los Che.
With Sadiq’s current form, the lanky center-forward could certainly provide adequate cover in that striking position for the Super Eagles, heading into their qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
2. Ademola Lookman
Lookman has been one of the best players across Europe since the start of 2024 and the Atalanta forward, who recently scored in a 4-0 drubbing of Juventus in the Serie A, is maintaining that momentum as we head into the international break.
The 2024 Africa Best Player of the Year has been Atalanta’s best player this term with a tally of 18 goals and 7 assists to his name despite spending some time on the sidelines through injury.
Lookman will certainly be one of Chelle’s most important assets as we head into the international break and Nigerians will be hoping their star boy can deliver the goods against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
1. Victor Osimhen
At the moment, Osimhen is arguably the most in-form striker in Europe. The Nigerian hitman has been scoring for fun since arriving at Galatasaray on loan from Napoli.
In his last five Super Lig appearances, he has notched five goals with his total tally so far this season standing at 23 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Osimhen should definitely be leading Chelle’s Super Eagles attack when they face Rwanda and Zimbabwe. If his current form is anything to go by, then the opposition defence have got their work cut out for them.
