Nigeria’s Final Push for 2026 FIFA World Cup: Super Eagles Announce Squad for Crucial Africa Qualifiers

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set for pivotal qualification matches in Africa’s Group C. The team will face Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 6th September 2025, before a high-stakes trip to South Africa to take on Bafana Bafana at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 9th September 2025.

The Squad

Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has named a strong 23-man roster for these decisive matches underscoring Nigeria’s push to secure Africa’s only automatic qualification spot from Group C. Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the defensive line, while star striker Victor Osimhen anchors the attack.

1.Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

2.Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

3.Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)

4.Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

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Qualifier Stakes and Schedule

Currently sitting fourth in Group C with seven points, Nigeria faces a challenging route to the 2026 World Cup, trailing leaders South Africa who top the group with 13 points. Only the group winner qualifies directly, while the runner-up may get a chance to progress through playoffs.

The fixture against Rwanda is seen as a must-win to keep qualification hopes alive. The subsequent clash with South Africa in Bloemfontein, a stadium that holds 46,000 fans and was a venue during the 2010 World Cup, is expected to be a decisive battle for group supremacy.

Kick-off times are set for 4:00 p.m. GMT (5:00 p.m. Nigerian time) in both matches. The Nigerian camp will open preparations in Uyo starting Monday, 1st September 2025.

The Super Eagles will need to translate their talent and determination on the pitch as they make their final push for a spot at the global tournament hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.