The Super Eagles of Nigeria have unveiled a formidable 25-man squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin. The squad, headlined by Europa League winner Ademola Lookman, will, however, be without the services of current CAF African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined due to a four-week injury.
With Osimhen out, Atalanta’s Lookman and German Bundesliga champion Victor Boniface are set to lead Nigeria’s offensive charge. Super Eagles’ Coach Finidi George has also included Enugu Rangers’ left-back Kenneth Igboke in the squad.
The midfield lineup is notably strengthened with the additions of Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika, providing a solid backbone for the team.
New head coach Finidi George has emphasized an attacking strategy as the Super Eagles aim to dominate Group C, moving away from the defensive tactics seen at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations. “With the calibre of players that we have, we cannot play defensive football,” said Finidi. “We have to get the right balance between attack and defence.”
Finidi has also given a first call-up to Remo Stars wing-back Sadiq Ismail, who is currently one of the standout players in the Nigerian domestic league with 12 assists this season.
In the goalkeeping department, Maduka Okoye returns after missing the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, replacing Francis Uzoho despite his recent strong club performances. Okoye is joined by Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali, who is expected to maintain his position as Nigeria’s number one, and home-based Ojo Olorunleke from Enyimba FC.
The Super Eagles are currently third in their qualifying group after a win against Mauritania and a loss to Sudan in November. They will aim to capitalize on home advantage against South Africa in Uyo on June 7th, followed by an away match against Benin in Abidjan three days later.
With only one team automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Coach Finidi George understands that securing maximum points in these upcoming matches is crucial.
Super Eagles of Nigeria Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
- Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Defenders:
- Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)
- Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC)
- Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
- Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)
- Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers)
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium)
- Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)
Forwards:
- Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
- Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
The squad’s composition and the strategic shift under Coach Finidi George highlight Nigeria’s determination to secure their spot in the upcoming World Cup through a blend of experienced internationals and promising domestic talent.