2026 World Cup Qualifiers: : Chelle Banks on Experience as Super Eagles Face Rwanda, Zimbabwe

NIGERIA’S JOURNEY to the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a critical phase as the Super Eagles prepare to face Group C leaders Rwanda on 21st March in Kigali before hosting Zimbabwe four days later in Uyo.

With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has unveiled a squad that blends experience with emerging talents. The question now is whether this team can secure the necessary results to stay on course for a spot at the global tournament.

The Explainer gathered that Nigeria’s qualification campaign has been underwhelming so far, with just two points from their opening two matches. A 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Uyo and another 1-1 draw away to Zimbabwe left fans frustrated. Rwanda, on the other hand, has taken an early lead in the group, making the upcoming fixture in Kigali a must-win for the Super Eagles.

Only the group winners will secure an automatic spot at the World Cup, while the second-place team could still earn a play-off berth. Dropping more points against Rwanda or Zimbabwe would complicate Nigeria’s qualification path, making these two matches pivotal.

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Chelle has named a strong 23-man squad, led by captain William Troost-Ekong and key attacking threats Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Simon Moses. The return of Victor Osimhen, who has yet to feature in the qualifiers, adds significant firepower to Nigeria’s attack.

The midfield will rely on Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and the returning Joseph Ayodele-Aribo to provide creativity and defensive cover. Meanwhile, new call-ups like Papa Daniel Mustapha could offer fresh energy in the middle of the park.

In defence, the exclusion of Semi Ajayi raises questions about depth, with Igoh Ogbu making the final cut alongside Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Bruno Onyemaechi. The Explainer gathered that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remains the undisputed number one, with Amas Obasogie and Kayode Bankole providing backup.

Chelle’s preferred tactical approach remains uncertain, but a 4-3-3 formation appears likely, with Osimhen leading the attack. Nigeria will need a more disciplined defensive structure to avoid the lapses that cost them points in the opening fixtures.

The Explainer reported that Rwanda has emerged as a surprise contender, sitting atop Group C with four points. The Amavubi Stars held South Africa to a goalless draw before edging past Lesotho, showing defensive resilience and counter-attacking efficiency. Their home advantage in Kigali will make them a difficult opponent for the Super Eagles.

Zimbabwe, despite having only two points, frustrated Nigeria in their previous encounter, showing their ability to disrupt the Eagles’ rhythm. With the Warriors eager to claim their first win, Nigeria must avoid underestimating them in Uyo.

The Super Eagles have the talent to dominate Group C, but inconsistency has been their biggest weakness. Dropping points against Lesotho and Zimbabwe has put them under pressure, and they cannot afford further setbacks.

The Explainer gathered that Chelle’s squad selection reflects a desire for stability and firepower, but execution on the pitch will determine whether Nigeria can take maximum points from these two fixtures. With Osimhen back in action and a strong supporting cast, the Super Eagles have the tools to get their qualification campaign back on track.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars).

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe SK, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes).

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).

Failure to secure wins against Rwanda and Zimbabwe would leave Nigeria’s World Cup hopes in serious jeopardy, increasing pressure on Chelle and his players. The road to 2026 is still open, but the Super Eagles must prove they are ready to take control of their destiny.