Nigeria announce squad for March international break; Victor Boniface included

The Super Eagles will face Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

For the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Nigeria’s manager Eric Sekou Chelle has named a 23-man roster. Notable additions include Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and Sadiq Umar’s comeback.

Both players have been picked up as Chelle tries to add more seasoned players to the Super Eagles after being left out of the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations roster.

In an additional move that demonstrates Chelle’s dedication to incorporating Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players into the national team lineup, the squad includes two homegrown players: goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) and midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes).

More local players may be able to gain international notoriety as a result of their inclusion.

Stanley Nwabali has remained the first-choice goalie after an outstanding tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, and Chelle has mostly trusted the core group that represented Nigeria in the AFCON.

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

Nigeria have a strong front line in attack, and Victor Osimhen will lead the Super Eagles’ goal-scoring onslaught.

In order to maintain their chances of qualifying for the World Cup, Chelle’s team will need to accumulate as many points as possible.

With significant returnees, home-based additions, and an abundance of offensive options, the team strikes a mix between youth and experience.

As Chelle’s team gets ready for two pivotal games that might determine Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup, all eyes will be on them.

Nigeria announce squad for FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers

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)

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