Veteran Nigerian forward Ahmed Musa has made a triumphant return to the Super Eagles as Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle announced a 39-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
The 32-year-old, who holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first player to score in two FIFA World Cups, last featured for the national team during their pre-AFCON 2023 preparations in Côte d’Ivoire. His recall, along with Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella, brings valuable experience as Nigeria looks to overtake Group C rivals Rwanda, South Africa, and the Benin Republic.
Key Selections in the Provisional Squad
Chelle’s squad includes familiar names such as stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen. The defense features Stanley Nwabali, Adeleye Adebayo, Calvin Bassey, and Olaoluwa Aina, while midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi add stability in the center of the park. Up front, Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, and Sadiq Umar join Musa in the attacking ranks.
Several fresh faces have also been included, with defenders Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielders Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Tolu Arokodare and Jerome Akor Adams receiving their first-ever call-ups. Potential returns await Kayode Bankole, Jordan Torunarigha, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Cyriel Dessers, and Nathan Tella, pending their selection for the final 23-man squad.
Nigeria’s Group C Standing and Upcoming Fixtures
The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin Republic (all on seven points) and Lesotho (fifth place, five points).
- March 21, 2024: Rwanda vs. Nigeria – Kigali
- March 25, 2024: Nigeria vs. Zimbabwe – Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
With a packed squad and high stakes, Nigeria will be looking to secure vital points and strengthen their bid for World Cup qualification.
Stay tuned for squad updates and match coverage!
