Sadiq and Aribo return, home-based players included in Nigeria’s squad for World Cup qualifiers

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, with the return of Sadiq Umar and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo standing out as key selections.

Both players were left out of the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations squad but have now been recalled as Chelle looks to bolster the Super Eagles with experienced options.

The squad also features two home-based players, goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) and midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), in a move that highlights Chelle’s commitment to integrating Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) talents into the national team setup.

Their inclusion could open the door for more local players to earn international recognition.

Chelle has largely kept faith in the core squad that represented Nigeria at AFCON, with Stanley Nwabali maintaining his place as the first-choice goalkeeper following an impressive tournament in Cote d'Ivoire. 

The defensive unit remains strong, featuring William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while the midfield is anchored by Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika.

In attack, Nigeria boasts a formidable frontline led by Victor Osimhen, who will spearhead the Super Eagles’ charge for goals.

He is joined by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Victor Boniface, as well as Nathan Tella and Tolu Arokodare, giving Chelle plenty of firepower.

Nigeria faces a tough challenge in Group C, where Rwanda currently leads the standings. The Super Eagles will play the Amavubi in Kigali on March 21, before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.

With their World Cup qualification hopes on the line, Chelle’s squad will need to secure maximum points to stay in contention for a place at the global tournament.

Czech-based defender Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague) also makes the final cut, strengthening the backline, while Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) completes the trio of goalkeepers alongside Nwabali and Bankole.

The squad balances experience and youth, with key returns, home-based inclusions, and a wealth of attacking options.

All eyes will now be on Chelle’s men as they prepare for two crucial matches that could shape Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup.

Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
• Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

Defenders:

• William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)
• Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
• Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders:

• Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
• Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
• Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)

Forwards:

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
• Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain)
• Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)