Osimhen in, Lookman out: Super Eagles’ likely 23-man squad for Rwanda, South Africa World Cup qualifiers

September is shaping up to be decisive for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they bid to revive their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Two crucial matches against Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 and South Africa in Bloemfontein three days later could well define whether the three-time African champions book their ticket to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Nigeria’s task is simple on paper but daunting in reality: win both games or risk slipping further adrift in Group C.

The Super Eagles currently trail leaders South Africa by six points, and with just one ticket available, there’s little margin for error.

For context, Nigeria last appeared at the World Cup in 2018, missing the Qatar edition after a painful playoff defeat to Ghana.

Head coach Eric Chelle has named a provisional 31-man squad, but by the time the final 23 are announced, some familiar names may miss out.

Injuries, poor form, and even club politics have complicated his selection headache.

So, who makes the cut?

Goalkeepers: Nwabali worries, new faces on standby

This is Chelle’s biggest problem area. Stanley Nwabali, the undisputed No.1 since his heroics at the Africa Cup of Nations, limped off during Chippa United’s last league outing.

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Nwabali has since missed training, and his availability is a massive doubt.

Ordinarily, Maduka Okoye would slot in, but the Udinese man is sidelined by a suspension linked to betting irregularities.

That leaves Chelle with three relatively inexperienced options: Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, and Ebenezer Harcourt, who together boast fewer than five senior caps.

If Nwabali fails to recover in time, one of this trio will be thrown into the cauldron of World Cup qualifying, a gamble Nigeria can ill afford.

Defence: Trusted old guards with a hint of youth

At least the backline offers more stability. William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are all fit and playing regularly for their clubs.

Osayi-Samuel, fresh from swapping Turkey for Birmingham City, has enjoyed a bright start in the Championship. Bassey, though shifted back to left-back at Fulham, is expected to partner Troost-Ekong in central defence.

Felix Agu is nursing a knock, while Chidozie Awaziem and Igoh Ogbu look set to miss out.

The one wildcard is Benjamin Fredrick, the teenage Brentford loanee who impressed Chelle during the Unity Cup in London. He may not yet be ready for a starting berth, but the coach clearly sees him as one for the future.

Midfield: Nigeria’s richest department

Chelle’s midfield is arguably his least complicated decision. All seven of his central midfielders deserve inclusion.

Alex Iwobi remains Fulham’s creative spark, while Wilfred Ndidi, now at Besiktas, continues to anchor midfield with his blend of steel and tactical intelligence.

Raphael Onyedika has earned plaudits after starring in Club Brugge’s Champions League demolition of Rangers, while Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru looks an increasingly vital cog under Maurizio Sarri.

Brentford’s Frank Onyeka provides Premier League grit, Alhassan Yusuf is flourishing in MLS, and Christantus Uche is quietly making waves in La Liga, attracting interests from England and Italy. With this depth, Chelle has no reason to wield the axe here.

Forwards: Talent galore, but fitness and form a nightmare

This is where things get messy. Nigeria boast an embarrassment of attacking riches, but availability is the sticking point.

Ademola Lookman, reigning African Footballer of the Year, is the most high-profile casualty.

Having been frozen out at Atalanta after a collapsed move to Inter, Lookman has not played competitive football for almost three months. Without sharpness, he’s unlikely to be risked.

Victor Boniface faces a similar conundrum. The striker, briefly courted by AC Milan, has yet to feature this season for Bayer Leverkusen but has at least been training. He may sneak in as cover, though he is far from match-fit.

Umar Sadiq’s inclusion in the provisional list raised eyebrows, given he’s been frozen out at Real Sociedad and is angling for a transfer. With no minutes this season, he seems surplus to requirements.

Meanwhile, Akor Adams would have been a strong contender, but Sevilla confirmed the striker is sidelined through injury.

That leaves Chelle to turn to more reliable faces: Nigeria's second all-time highest goalscorer Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, and Tolu Arokodare. Between them, there’s enough pace, power, and poise to trouble any defence.

Super Eagles' Predicted 23-Man Squad

Goalkeepers: Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye, Ebenezer Harcourt

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredrick

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche

Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare