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2026 FIFA W/Cup qualifiers: Chelle picks Ekong, Osimhen, 21 others

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has picked Captain William Ekong, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika and forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen in his final list of 23 players for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Amavubi of Rwanda and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also makes the final cut, just as defenders Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Cyriel Dessers.

Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo returns to the group alongside Unity Cup sensations Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks, and forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare.

The three-time African champions will confront Rwanda in a Matchday 7 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, 6th September, before flying to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a Matchday 8 fixture on Tuesday, 9th September.

Players’ list:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).

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Taofeek Lawal

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