Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe this month Footynaija.com reports.
With the release of Chelle’s final squad, there has been plenty of discussion regarding the selections. From surprise inclusions to notable omissions, Chelle’s choices offer insight into his tactical approach and vision for the team.
In this article, Footynaija.com delves into some of the key talking points surrounding Chelle’s squad selection.
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The Surprise Inclusions
One of the most unexpected names in the final squad is Papa Daniel Mustapha of Niger Tornadoes. The midfielder, who plays in the Nigerian Professional Football League, impressed Chelle enough to earn a spot ahead of several more established names. His inclusion signals Chelle’s willingness to give NPFL players a chance at the international level.
Another surprise is the presence of Kayode Bankole, the Remo Stars goalkeeper. While he had a strong campaign in the NPFL, many expected Maduka Okoye to make the final list ahead of him. Amas Obasogie also benefited from Chelle’s decision to shake up the goalkeeping department, earning a call-up despite being relatively unknown on the international stage.
The Notable Snubs
Perhaps the most notable omission from Chelle’s final list is that of Kelechi Iheanacho. Despite his vast international experience, he has failed to make the final squad. His absence suggests that Chelle’s decision was majorly influenced by the current form of players.
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped player, also failed to make the cut. While his experience and leadership have been invaluable over the years, the gaffer has opted to go with youth upfront. Similarly, Paul Onuachu and Chidera Ejuke, both of whom were part of the provisional squad, missed out on the final list most likely due to fierce competition in the attacking department.
The Expected Picks
As anticipated, several big names made the final cut. Victor Osimhen remains the focal point of Nigeria’s attack, with support from Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Boniface, all of whom possess game-changing abilities.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika provide stability and creativity, while William Troost-Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey lead the defensive line. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his place as the Super Eagles’ number one shot-stopper, given his consistent performances for Chippa United.
Eric Chelle’s squad selection will have fans and analysts talking for the rest of the week. While some decisions were expected, others raised eyebrows. The inclusion of NPFL stars like Mustapha and Bankole is a bold move that could inspire more domestic players, while the absence of Iheanacho and Musa marks a shift toward a new era for the Super Eagles. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Chelle’s squad to see if his gamble pays off on the big stage.
