Official Super Eagles squad list: Osimhen & Lookman in, Iheanacho out of Chelle’s 23 for Rwanda & Zimbabwe

Nigeria’s 23-man Super Eagles squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe has been confirmed, Soccernet.ng reports.

Head coach Eric Chelle unveiled the final list on Tuesday, March 11, via the Super Eagles’ social media channels, trimming it down from the provisional 39-man squad that sparked considerable debate last week.

Chelle has opted for a balanced selection, comprising three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and eight forwards.

As expected, key Super Eagles regulars made the cut, with Africa Player of the Year Ademola Lookman and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen spearheading the attack.

Stanley Nwabali retains his spot in goal, while defensive stalwarts William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey are also included. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka feature prominently.

Notably, 16 players from the initial squad were dropped, including Göztepe youngster Anthony Dennis and Southampton striker Paul Onuachu. Genk forward Tolu Arokodare and former Enyimba goalkeeper Amas Obasogie also missed out on the final selection.

Nigeria will trade tackles with Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before returning to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to lock horns with Zimbabwe four days later. 

The two games are must-win fixture for the Super Eagles, who have endured a torrid start to the World Cup qualifying campaign. 

The Super Eagles had drawn three games and lost 2-1 to Benin Republic before Chelle was appointed manager in January.

The former Mali national team coach is the first non-Nigerian African coach to take charge of the Super Eagles.