In a bold and strategic move, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released the final 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the football community, as two of the team’s most prominent figures, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho, have been omitted from the final selection.
Musa, the most-capped player in Nigeria’s history, was a surprise inclusion in Chelle’s 39-man provisional list. Many fans had questioned his call-up, considering he had been absent from the squad for almost a year. His exclusion from the final list, however, has reignited debates over his role in the national team, especially after he traveled with the Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year without playing a single minute. Iheanacho, who was also part of the AFCON silver-winning squad, finds himself sidelined as well, despite his club-level performances.
Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles in January, has made it clear that he intends to reshape the team as Nigeria fights to revive its World Cup qualification hopes. The squad includes a mix of experienced regulars and fresh faces, signaling a shift in strategy. Star players such as Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Wilfred Ndidi have all retained their places, ensuring a strong core of talent. Additionally, Nathan Tella and Joe Aribo make their return after a prolonged absence, adding depth to the squad.
The Malian tactician has also handed maiden call-ups to Tolu Arokodare, Igoh Ogbu, and Papa Mustapha, injecting new energy into the team. These selections indicate that Chelle is looking beyond familiar names and giving opportunities to players who can bring something different to the squad. The decision to drop Musa and Iheanacho while introducing fresh talent shows that he is unafraid to make tough calls in pursuit of success.
Nigeria currently faces a difficult road in the qualification race, having managed only three points from four matches. The Super Eagles sit four points behind group leaders Rwanda, making the upcoming fixtures a do-or-die affair. The team will travel to Kigali to face Rwanda on March 21 before returning home to take on Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25. These matches will be the first real test for Chelle, as he works to instill his philosophy and prove that he is the right man to guide Nigeria to the World Cup.
Fans and analysts have expressed mixed reactions to the squad announcement, with some applauding the coach’s decisiveness while others question the exclusion of seasoned players. The stakes are high, and every decision will be scrutinized as Nigeria battles to keep its World Cup dreams alive.
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