Finidi George Names Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria’s Head Coach, Finidi George, has announced a formidable squad of 23 players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic. The squad features a mix of experienced internationals and exciting new talents, including rave-of-the-moment Ademola Lookman and African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen.
Among the selected players are goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has been in stellar form, and other prominent names such as Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Terem Moffi.
In a related development, Remo Stars’ tough defender Sadiq Ismael has earned his first call-up, along with Turkey-based midfielder Fisayo Bashiru, Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella, and towering forward Paul Onuachu.
Nigeria will face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7th, with kickoff at 8 pm. Following this match, the Super Eagles will travel to Abidjan to take on Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday, June 10th, with the game starting at 4 pm local time (5 pm Nigeria time).
Super Eagles Squad for Bafana Bafana and Cheetahs Clashes
Goalkeepers:
– Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
– Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
– Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Defenders:
– Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal)
– Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)
– Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC)
– Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
– Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
– Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)
Midfielders:
– Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
– Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
– Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium)
– Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
– Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
– Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)
Forwards:
– Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy)
– Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
– Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
– Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey)
– Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
– Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
Fans are eagerly anticipating these crucial matches, as Nigeria aims to secure its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The blend of seasoned players and emerging stars promises an exciting and competitive display from the Super Eagles.
