Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Three players who should have made Eric Chelle’s final Super Eagles cut

On Tuesday, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle unveiled his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month, Soccernet.ng reports.

Recall that Chelle unveiled a list of 39 players for the World Cup Qualifiers last week. That list had eight new boys, while the bulk of the players had been involved with the Super Eagles before. Then, on Tuesday, coach Chelle unveiled the final list, with 16 players removed.

Of the 23 players called up, there are just four new invitees, with Tolu Arokodare, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Igoh Ogbu, and Kayode Bankole all getting their maiden call-ups. Chelle also made some big calls, with some of the regulars like Kelechi Iheanacho, Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka, Chidera Ejuke, and Ahmed Musa getting snubbed.

While the team looks balanced to a large extent, some players should have been considered on the basis of their performances this season. In this article, Soccernet writes on three players who have made Chelle's final cut.

1. Christantus Uche

Christantus Uche is a notable absentee from the Super Eagles list. The Nigerian midfielder just burst onto the scene this season after a summer move from Ceuta, a club in the third division in Spain, to Getafe.

The 21-year-old midfielder has quickly become an integral member of Getafe's team, as he has produced three goals and three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. His impressive ball-holding ability, great passing, and impeccable work rate has attracted some top clubs in Europe, with Chelsea and other top Premier clubs reportedly showing interest in signing him permanently.

With his talent, he could offer something new in Nigeria's midfield, but he would have to wait for another time before getting an opportunity with the national team.

2. Cyriel Dessers

Dessers has been in sublime form for Rangers since the start of the year. The 30-year-old striker has contributed 10 goals and three assists in 13 games for the Gers. Aside from Victor Osimhen, no other Super Eagles striker at a top club can boast of a similar record. Even Victor Boniface, who was picked ahead of him, has managed just two goals this year, with just a handful of appearances.

Moreover, he has already scored twice for Nigeria, unlike Boniface, who has been unreliable whenever Osimhen is absent.

3. Gabriel Osho

Gabriel Osho's exclusion from the Super Eagles squad comes as a surprise, especially as Igoh Ogbu, who is relatively inexperienced in the International scene, got a call-up. Osho has been a regular for Auxerre in Ligue 1, featuring in 17 of their games this season.

Nonetheless, Osho has struggled with injuries this season, but that is unlikely to be the reason. It is a big call from Chelle and hopefully his decision does not come back to haunt him.