Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has released a 31-man provisional list for the next two Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying against Rwanda and South Africa, with a mix of established stars, returning faces and fresh prospects setting the stage for intense selection battles.

Captain William Ekong, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and Europe-based regulars Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline the squad.

But with Nigeria languishing in fourth place in their group, the stakes could not be higher as the Eagles chase six points to revive their qualification hopes.

Competition for Places
The return of striker Victor Osimhen, now at Galatasaray, will dominate headlines, but he faces competition from Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers—who impressed at the 2025 Unity Cup in London—and Terem Moffi of Nice. With Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella also included, Chelle has one of the deepest attacking rosters in years, raising questions about who will lead the line in Uyo and Bloemfontein.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi’s recovery from injury to secure a recall is timely, but he will need to prove his fitness in camp. Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru provide energetic alternatives, while Fulham’s Iwobi remains the creative hub.

The inclusion of youngster Christantus Uche offers a glimpse of future depth in the middle of the park.

The defence sees familiar names in Ekong, Bassey and Aina, but the call-ups of Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks and Igoh Ogbu add youthful competition.

Chidozie Awaziem, making a return, will hope to cement his place after a patchy international form.

Injury Watch
While the squad is rich in talent, injury concerns loom. Osimhen has endured stop-start fitness issues in recent months, while Ndidi’s recent move to Turkey’s Besiktas was shadowed by questions about his durability. Striker Mbaoma Victor, a regular at the Unity Cup, was overlooked due to a recent injury setback.

Coach Chelle will be hoping his first-choice players stay fit in the week leading to the camp’s opening on 1 September in Uyo.

What’s at Stake
Nigeria sit fourth in their qualifying group and cannot afford further slip-ups. The Super Eagles host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, 6 September in Matchday 7 before travelling to Bloemfontein to face long-time rivals South Africa on Tuesday, 9 September in what could prove decisive for their qualification push.

Chelle’s selection blends experience with experimentation, but his challenge will be to strike the right balance between proven performers and emerging talents.

With group leaders pulling away, anything short of two positive results could place Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes in jeopardy.

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Defending champions Remo Stars began their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title defence on a shaky note, playing out a 1-1 draw with Rivers United in the opening fixture of the 2025/26 season on Friday.

The Ikenne-based side, who are using the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta as their temporary home ground, had to come from behind after falling to an early strike from their visitors.

Former Remo forward, Aniemeke Okon, silenced the home crowd in the third minute, rising highest to head past goalkeeper Kayode Bankole Obassa and net the first goal of the new NPFL season. But the champions responded swiftly, as Victor Mbaoma latched onto a clever through pass from Samuel Anakwe to smash home the equaliser just five minutes later.

Mbaoma’s goal, his 52nd in the NPFL and 16th for Remo Stars, was bittersweet, as the returning striker — back from a stint with Rwanda’s APR FC — limped off injured in the 21st minute and was replaced by new signing Adama Goita.

The second half produced end-to-end exchanges, with Anakwe impressing for the hosts while Rivers United stood firm at the back. The visitors, however, finished the encounter with ten men after Temple Emekayi received a straight red card in stoppage time for dangerous play.

The result preserved Remo Stars’ impressive home record, stretching their unbeaten run in front of their fans to 52 matches. Yet, Rivers United remain a difficult hurdle for the Sky Blues, who have now failed to win in their last three meetings and boast just one victory in 12 head-to-head encounters.

Remo Stars will travel to face Kun Khalifat FC on Matchday Two, while Rivers United will play host to 2025 President’s Federation Cup winners, Kwara United.

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Nigeria’s Season 2025/26 of the elite football league kicks off in 10 centres across the country this Friday.  The opening day has lined up high-stakes fixtures.

Fans can expect thrilling rivalries, debut stories, and the first statements of intent from clubs eyeing the crown.

Remo Stars vs Rivers United (Abeokuta)
The spotlight will be firmly in Abeokuta, the temporary home of the Ikenne-based Remo Stars, who host Rivers United in what promises to be a blockbuster opener. It will be a continuation of last season’s rivalry, where both teams struggled for the championship, which Remo Stars eventually won, pushing Rivers United to the runners-up position.

Both sides have established themselves among the league’s elite in recent seasons, with Remo Stars known for their flair and Rivers United carrying the weight of continental experience.

A clash of ambition awaits. Remo Stars may, however, be understrength as nine of their players, as well as the head coach, are just returning from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) still going on in East Africa.

Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors welcome the legendary Kano Pillars in a battle that pits youthful hunger against tradition. Pillars, buoyed by their passionate fan base, will aim to assert themselves early, but the Warriors are known for upsetting giants at home.

It will be the first league match for Ahmed Musa as the General Manager of Kano Pillars.

Wikki Tourists vs Plateau United (Bauchi)
North-central rivals Wikki Tourists and Plateau United lock horns in Bauchi. Matches between both sides are often fiercely contested, and Plateau’s pedigree as former champions will be tested by Wikki’s resilience.

Katsina United vs Warri Wolves (Katsina)
Katsina United begin their campaign against newly promoted Warri Wolves. The Wolves, back in the big time, will be eager to mark their return with a statement, while Katsina rely on home advantage to start strong.

Rangers Int’l vs Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers International face Kun-Khalifat, the league newcomers. For Rangers, it’s a chance to begin their season in front of a loyal home crowd, but all eyes will be on Kun-Khalifat to see how they adapt to the top-flight spotlight.

 Kun-Khalifat of Imo State are one of the four private clubs featuring in the Nigerian elite league this season.

Kwara United vs Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
Kwara United entertain Ikorodu City, who are having their second season in the NPFL. In their maiden adventure, they were almost securing the ticket to feature in the CAF Confederation League.

The Lagos-based side will be playing their first-ever NPFL match, and their baptism of fire comes against a Kwara United team eager to improve on last season’s mid-table finish.

El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
Maiduguri hosts a heavyweight duel as El-Kanemi Warriors take on Bendel Insurance. Insurance, one of the league’s traditional giants, face a tough away test against a side known for turning their home ground into a fortress.

Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars (3SC) face Bayelsa United in a fixture steeped in pride. The Oluyole Warriors aim to rekindle their glory days, while Bayelsa United, FA Cup specialists, look to prove their consistency in league football.

Barau vs Enyimba Int’l
League debutants Barau could not have asked for a sterner introduction as they host record champions Enyimba International. The People’s Elephant, with their history of dominance, will be expected to start strong, but Barau will draw on home support to seek a famous result.

Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United (Minna)
The final fixture sees Niger Tornadoes welcome Nasarawa United in a north-central derby. With both teams battling for early momentum, fans should expect a fiery contest in Minna.

The 2025 NPFL season promises drama, goals, and stories of resilience. As the whistle sounds across ten venues this weekend, the journey towards Nigeria’s most coveted football title begins in earnest.Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H