Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers,13 others dropped for Super Eagles with Rwanda, Zimbabwe
By Uzor Odigbo
The Head Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Éric Sékou Chelle, has unveiled his players for the two World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
Éric Sékou Chelle has faith in goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali while captain William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Olaoluwa Aina are expected to provide adequate cover for Chippo United of South Africa goalkeeper
In the midfield, Alex Iwobi who has been enjoying a sterling outing with Fulham this season will be supported by Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi.
Éric Sékou Chelle, recently appointed manager of the three time champions of Africa has settled for in form Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon in his final list of 23 players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Also in the final list are defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel and forwards Samuel Chukwueze with just 3 goals in 21 games, Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen on 2 goals from 20 games and Sadiq Umar.
Czech Republic-based defender Igoh Ogbu makes the final cut, alongside home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha of Niger Tornadoes, keeper Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars and Belgium-based forward Tolu Arokodare.
One time captain of the team, Ahmed Musa, who plays for Kano Pillars in the domestic League missed the mark, just like Kelechi Iheanacho of Middlesbrough and Cyriel Dessers of Glasgow Rangers with 18 goals in all competitions this season.
From the initial 39 man provisional roster, coach Eric Chelle dropped two keepers, four defenders, four midfielders and six forwards.
The 23 players are drawn from 21 club sides from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America
