By VICTOR OKOYE

Captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Victor Osimhen headline Nigeria’s final 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

The list, released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday in Abuja, also includes midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi.

Among the forwards are Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers and Moses Simon.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali returns between the sticks, supported by defenders Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, among others.

Greece-based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo returns, with Unity Cup stars Felix Agu and Benjamin Fredericks also named in the squad.

Forwards Christantus Uche and Tolu Arokodare earned call-ups after strong performances in June’s friendly against Russia in Moscow.

Super Eagles will face Rwanda on Sept. 6 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, in a Matchday 7 fixture.

They will then travel to Bloemfontein for Matchday 8 against South Africa on Sept. 9.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa Utd, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England).

Others are, Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy).

Also included are Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium) and Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain).

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey).

Others are Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium). (NAN)