The race to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway for Nigeria, as the Super Eagles’ camp opened on Monday in Uyo, with captain William Troost-Ekong leading the early charge.
The centre-back, who now plies his trade at Saudi Arabian side Al-Kholood, was among the first players to report for national duty at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where Nigeria will face Rwanda on September 6 in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier.
Joining him in camp were Tanzania-based goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and Bruno Onyemaechi, the in-form Olympiacos left-back — both eager to impress and stake a claim ahead of two critical matchdays that could determine Nigeria’s World Cup fate.
Meanwhile, the likes of Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), and Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) are expected to arrive in the coming hours as the squad prepares for a decisive double-header.
However, a number of players are expected to report late to camp due to ongoing transfer dealings. Samuel Chukwueze is reportedly close to sealing a move from AC Milan to Fulham, while Tolu Arokodare is nearing a switch from Genk to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Rising star Christantus Uche is also finalising his move to Crystal Palace.
Also, the return of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is expected to provide much-needed firepower to a side under mounting pressure from fans and critics alike. Osimhen scored both goals in Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Rwanda during their last encounter in March.
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After their failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Nigeria currently sits fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches — one point behind Rwanda and Benin and six adrift of group leaders South Africa. With just four matches remaining, the Super Eagles cannot afford another misstep.
The matches against Rwanda (September 6) in Uyo and South Africa (September 8) in Bloemfontein are being billed as make-or-break encounters, as the three-time African champions fight to salvage their qualifying campaign.
FULL 23-MAN SQUAD FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA QUALIFIERS:
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France)
Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany)
Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş, Turkey)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Cyriel Dessers (Rangers FC, Scotland)
Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
After the September 6 encounter with Rwanda, the Super Eagles’ 23-man squad will jet off to South Africa to take on the high-flying Bafana Bafana just two days later in Bloemfontein.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada — marking the first time in history the tournament will be held across three nations. It will also be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32.
