August 22, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has released a 31-man provisional squad for the September World Cup qualifiers. The list reunites leading forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, while blending in fresh talent from both overseas and home leagues.
The squad comprises four goalkeepers, including Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie, nine defenders such as William Ekong and Calvin Bassey, and seven midfielders, led by Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi. Noteworthy call-ups include the likes of Igoh Ogbu (defender), Alex Iwobi and Chrisantus Uche (midfielders), and Tolu Arokodare (forward).
Nigeria will continue the qualifiers on September 9 at home against Rwanda, before a trip to South Africa three days later. The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in Group C, trailing South Africa, Rwanda and Benin, making both fixtures critical in their qualification bid.
Chelle’s selections underscore his intent to merge experience and potential with Osimhen and Lookman driving the attack, Ndidi and Iwobi anchoring the midfield, and new additions suggesting a willingness to broaden the pool ahead of the final 23-man squad.
The final squad is expected within days. Chelle must choose 23 players who can deliver decisive results on a tight qualifying schedule. With these fixtures pivotal, Nigeria’s hopes for a return to the World Cup rest on balance, form and squad cohesion assembled under Chelle’s leadership.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
