The anticipation surrounding Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe has taken an unexpected turn. While fans hoped for a mix of experienced internationals and homegrown NPFL stars, only two Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players made the final list.
NPFL’s Lone Representatives
The only players from the domestic league to get a call-up are:
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) – A forward with 18 appearances and three goals this season.
Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) – A goalkeeper who made his Super Eagles debut in 2022 against Costa Rica.
Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International) and Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars)—one of Nigeria’s most decorated players—failed to make the final cut.
Key Takeaways from the Super Eagles’ Selection
🔹 Surprise Drops in Defense:
Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), and Jordan Torunarigha (Gent) have been left out. The only new face in defense is Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague).
🔹 Midfield Shake-up:
Fans were shocked as Frank Onyeka (Augsburg)—who has been a regular for his Bundesliga side—was dropped, alongside Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio), who is struggling with an ankle injury. Joseph Aribo (Southampton) makes a long-awaited return.
🔹 Attacking Firepower Reduced:
Some of Nigeria’s biggest attacking names have been left out:
🚫 Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers) – In blistering form but still overlooked.
🚫 Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars) – The captain’s absence signals a shift in direction.
🚫 Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough) – Another experienced forward dropped.
With the Super Eagles preparing for crucial qualifiers, fans will be eager to see if this new-look squad delivers the results Nigeria needs. Will Coach Eric Chelle‘s selections pay off, or will the absence of these big names cost Nigeria dearly?
Super Eagles’ Final Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars)
- Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Maduka Okoye(Udinese)Adeleye Adebayo(Enosis Neon Paralimni)
Defenders:
- William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham)
- Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest)
- Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague)
Gabriel Osho(AJ Auxerre)Zaidu Sanusi(FC Porto)Jordan Torunarigha(Gent)Ifeanyi Onyebuchi(Enugu Rangers)
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
- Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
- Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton)
- Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru(SS Lazio)Frank Onyeka(Augsburg)Anthony Dennis(Goztepe)Christantus Uche(Getafe)
Forwards:
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Simon Moses (FC Nantes)
- Sadiq Umar (Valencia)
- Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk)
Kelechi Iheanacho(Middlesbrough)Cyriel Dessers(Glasgow Rangers)Chidera Ejuke(Sevilla)Paul Onuachu(Southampton)Ahmed Musa(Kano Pillars)Akor Adams(Sevilla)
