FULL LIST: Super Eagles Squad Announced for World Cup Qualifiers Against South Africa, Benin Republic

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This marks George Finidi’s debut selection as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

Released in an official statement on Friday, the squad features 16 players who were part of the impressive team that secured silver at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. Among the key returning players are Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Victor Boniface, alongside Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.

Notably, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye makes a return to the squad after a long absence since the team’s 1-0 defeat to Tunisia in the second round of AFCON 2022. Okoye, who currently plays for Udinese, will be joined by Stanley Nwabali and Ojo Olorunleke as the team’s goalkeepers.

The squad also includes Remo Stars’ Sadiq Ismael, who receives his first call-up as the only home-based outfield player.

Nigeria is set to face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on June 7, before traveling to Abidjan to play against Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on June 10.

FULL SQUAD LIST

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)

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)
• Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy)
• 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)

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Finidi’s squad will perform in these crucial qualifiers.