Nigeria's national team, the Super Eagles, have announced their lineup for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. New manager Eric Chelle has brought in star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman into the squad, hoping to revitalize Nigeria's campaign in Group C.
Victor Osimhen's Return
Victor Osimhen's return to the national team is a huge morale booster for Nigeria. The prolific goal-scorer has been absent from the Super Eagles' first four qualifying matches due to injury. His return comes at the right time, as Nigeria seeks its first win in the group after three draws and one defeat.
Osimhen's International Impact
Osimhen's senior national team career started with Nigeria U-17 that won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. He was the highest scorer in the tournament with ten goals, collecting the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards. He made his senior team debut in June 2017 against South Africa. In spite of the 2018 World Cup failures owing to Wolfsburg's unpredictable season, Osimhen came back strong, and notably, hit a hat-trick for Libya in matches against U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2019. (Source)
Club Achievements
At club level, Osimhen has been instrumental to Napoli. In the 2022–23 season, he played a pivotal role in Napoli's Serie A title in 33 years, leading the league as the best scorer with 26 goals. His performances have attracted top European clubs, with Manchester United reportedly being provided weekly updates regarding his availability. (Source)
Ademola Lookman's Inclusion
Ademola Lookman's inclusion adds more firepower to Nigeria's attack line. The Atalanta forward has been on fire, netting 18 goals in all competitions this season.
Accolades and Recognition
Lookman's stellar year was capped when he was named the African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football. He is the seventh Nigerian to take the coveted award, as a prelude to compatriot Victor Osimhen, who had taken it last year. (Source)
Recent Challenges
While his commendation, Lookman was criticized by Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini after failing to score with a penalty kick during a Champions League play-off match against Club Bruges. Gasperini referred to him as "one of the worst penalty takers I have ever seen," an affirmation that did not go well with Lookman. He attributed he was told by the man marked to shoot it. (Source)
Nigeria's World Cup Qualifying Campaign
The Super Eagles' campaign in the qualification of the 2026 World Cup has not been smooth. They are second from the bottom in Group C with a four-point difference behind leaders Rwanda and South Africa. Bringing on board key players like Osimhen and Lookman will improve the team's prospects for gaining vital wins in the coming matches.
Upcoming Fixtures
- March 21, 2025: Rwanda vs. Nigeria (Away)
- March 25, 2025: Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe (Home, Uyo)
Eric Chelle's Appointment
On January 2025, ex-Mali manager Eric Chelle was appointed coach of Nigeria's national team. His job is to breathe life into the Super Eagles' World Cup qualification and build on their successful qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations last year.
Coaching Philosophy
Chelle is famous for his tactical ability as well as for extracting the maximum out of players. His performance in Mali was a perfect example of his team restructuring skills, and Nigerian fans hope that he will be able to replicate it with the Super Eagles.
Nigeria's Full Squad for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
- Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders:
- William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
- Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
- Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
- Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)
- Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
Forwards:
- Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
- Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal, Spain)
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
- Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
- Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
What's Next for Nigeria?
With Osimhen back and Lookman, Nigeria now has a far better team than in previous games. But the Super Eagles must deliver in the subsequent games if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their slow start has put them in a difficult position, but victories over Rwanda and Zimbabwe would put them back in contention.
Can Nigeria restart their campaign with Eric Chelle? Fans will be hoping the Super Eagles soar high again.
