Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is set to unveil his final 23-man squad this week for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Malian tactician had earlier released a 39-man provisional squad, sparking discussions among fans and analysts. Notably, veteran captain Ahmed Musa made a surprise return to the squad after nearly a year of absence.
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The final list is expected to be revealed after the UEFA Champions League last-16 matches on Wednesday. The Super Eagles will then commence their training camp in Kigali on Sunday, gearing up for the must-win fixtures.
Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group C with just three points, following three draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, along with a shocking defeat to Benin Republic. The upcoming matches against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 and Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25 are crucial for Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The 39-man squad announcement has stirred mixed reactions among football stakeholders. While some praised Chelle for recalling experienced players like Musa, others questioned the selection of certain names and the team’s overall strategy.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju welcomed Musa’s inclusion, citing his leadership and experience. However, some fans on social media expressed concerns about the squad’s balance, urging Chelle to prioritize in-form players.
As anticipation builds for the final squad announcement, all eyes will be on Chelle’s decisions and how they will shape Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign.