Skipper Ahmed Musa, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho were among notable absentees as Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle listed his final 23-man squad for the crunch 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Malian tactician, who released an expanded provisional squad of 39 players last week, has kept the Nigerian football community waiting as fans eagerly anticipate his selection for what will be his debut matches in charge of the three-time African champions.
Chelle’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Nigerian football, with the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread after a disastrous start to their campaign that has yielded only three points from a possible 12.
The expanded provisional squad features an intriguing blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, signalling Chelle’s intention to revitalise a team that has struggled for form and consistency in recent outings.
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Among the notable inclusions in the provisional squad is veteran captain Ahmed Musa, whose returweelicuted mixed reactions by both supporters and analysts.
The squad also features first-time call-ups for in-form striker Tolu Arokodare and promising midfielder Chrisantus Uche, both of whom have been making waves in European football this season.
Other notable inclusions are Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface, and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, all of whom will be expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming encounters.
