World Cup 2026 (Q): Eric Chelle unveils Nigeria's provisional squad for Rwanda and South Africa | OneFootball

Malian coach calls up 31 players for two decisive qualifying matches in September

Super Eagles / Nigéria

Eric Chelle released this Friday, August 22, a provisional list of 31 players for Nigeria for the 7th and 8th rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, against Rwanda and South Africa. The Super Eagles will assemble in Uyo from September 1 before taking on their two opponents on September 6 and 9.

The Super Eagles head coach has called up the usual mainstays of the Nigerian squad for these crucial fixtures. Stanley Nwabali, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Moses Simon are all included in this provisional squad. Eric Chelle will have to trim down this roster before the training camp kicks off in a few days.

Nigeria will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, September 6 for the seventh round. Three days later, the Super Eagles will travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa in a showdown that could prove pivotal in the race for qualification.

For the record, Nigeria's Super Eagles are currently third in Group C with 7 points, trailing behind South Africa (8 points) and Benin (8 points).