Patrick Kelechi, Lagos
DAILY COURIER - Nigeria’s national team captain, Ahmed Musa, has made a sensational return to the Super Eagles as head coach Éric Sékou Chelle unveiled a 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Musa, who currently plays for Kano Pillars, has been recalled to the squad despite being out of international action for some time. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the Super Eagles look to bounce back from their underwhelming start to the qualifiers, where they sit fifth in Group C behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho.
The squad also sees the return of vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, who played a key role in Nigeria’s impressive run to the AFCON 2023 final, as well as midfielder Joe Aribo and striker Cyriel Dessers, who could make their way back into the final 23-man list.
Among the forwards named are Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, with the trio expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack. Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka headline the midfield selections, while defenders like Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel make up the defensive core.
There are also first-time call-ups for young talents such as defenders Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Tolu Arokodare and Jerome Akor Adams.
Nigeria will take on Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25. With the Super Eagles yet to secure a win in the qualifiers, the return of Musa could provide the much-needed leadership and experience as they push for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The goalkeepers named in the squad include Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo, and Kayode Bankole. Defenders selected are William Troost-Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Jordan Torunarigha, and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi.
Midfielders in the squad are Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha. The forward line features Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Simon Moses, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Ahmed Musa, and Jerome Akor Adams.
As the Super Eagles prepare for these crucial encounters, all eyes will be on Ahmed Musa to see if he can once again inspire the team with his leadership on and off the pitch.
