Nigeria World Cup 2026 Squad
The Super Eagles are back on the world stage for 2026. With Victor Osimhen leading the line and a generation of top-flight European talent behind him, Nigeria are among the most exciting African nations heading to North America.
Super Eagles at a Glance
Victor Osimhen — The Star of the Super Eagles
Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray (on loan from Napoli) | Striker | Age: 25
There is no bigger name in Nigerian football right now. Osimhen's explosive pace, clinical finishing and physical dominance make him one of the most feared strikers in world football. His 26-goal Serie A season with Napoli in 2022-23 powered them to their first Scudetto in 33 years.
The controversy around his Napoli exit and subsequent loan move to Galatasaray has dominated transfer headlines, but on the pitch Osimhen continues to deliver at the highest level. For Nigeria, he is the focal point of everything — opponents build entire defensive game plans around stopping him.
Key Players
Goalkeeper
Francis Uzoho
Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus) | Age: 25
Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper since 2018. Uzoho has grown considerably in the years since his debut, providing a reliable and athletic presence between the posts. His shot-stopping ability and command of his area have been crucial in CAF qualification campaigns.
Defenders
William Troost-Ekong
PAOK | Centre-back / Captain
Nigeria's captain and defensive leader, Troost-Ekong brings experience from Watford, Udinese and now PAOK in Greece. A commanding centre-back who reads the game well and organises the defence with authority.
Semi Ajayi
West Bromwich Albion | Centre-back
A powerful and physical centre-back who partners Troost-Ekong effectively at the heart of Nigeria's defence. His aerial dominance and composure on the ball give Nigeria a solid defensive foundation.
Zaidu Sanusi
FC Porto (Portugal) | Left-back
Nigeria's first-choice left-back from FC Porto, Sanusi brings Champions League-level experience with his attacking instincts from the left flank combining with solid defensive work.
Midfielders
Frank Onyeka
Brentford (Premier League) | Defensive Midfielder
A tenacious and energetic midfielder who has established himself in the Premier League with Brentford. Onyeka's ability to break up play, win second balls and transition quickly makes him a vital component of the Super Eagles midfield engine room.
Alex Iwobi
Fulham (Premier League) | Attacking Midfielder / Winger
The nephew of Jay-Jay Okocha carries the creative burden for Nigeria. Iwobi's technical quality, dribbling ability and vision make him Nigeria's most creative outlet. His performances for Fulham have been some of the most consistent of his career.
Joe Aribo
Southampton | Central / Attacking Midfielder
Aribo is a box-to-box midfielder with the ability to score and create from deep. His Champions League experience with Rangers and subsequent Premier League stints have developed him into a reliable international performer for the Super Eagles.
Forwards & Attackers
Samuel Chukwueze
AC Milan (Serie A) | Right Winger
One of Nigeria's most exciting wide players, Chukwueze terrorises defenders with his direct running, pace and powerful left foot. His move to AC Milan took his career to a new level and he provides constant danger from the right flank for the Super Eagles.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Nottingham Forest (Premier League) | Striker
A reliable and powerful striker who provides competition and cover for Osimhen. Awoniyi's proven Premier League record with Nottingham Forest makes him a genuine threat off the bench or in a supporting attacking role.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Sevilla (Spain) | Forward
A vastly experienced forward who has served Nigerian football for a decade. Iheanacho's technical quality, link-up play and big-game temperament make him a valuable squad member, particularly as an impact substitute in crucial moments.
Full Squad List
| No. | Player | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Francis Uzoho | GK | Omonia Nicosia |
| 22 | Stanley Nwabali | GK | Chippa United |
| 5 | William Troost-Ekong | CB | PAOK |
| 6 | Semi Ajayi | CB | West Bromwich Albion |
| 3 | Zaidu Sanusi | LB | FC Porto |
| 2 | Ola Aina | RB | Nottingham Forest |
| 16 | Calvin Bassey | CB/LB | Fulham |
| 8 | Frank Onyeka | DM | Brentford |
| 10 | Alex Iwobi | AM | Fulham |
| 14 | Joe Aribo | CM | Southampton |
| 19 | Wilfred Ndidi | DM | Leicester City |
| 9 | Victor Osimhen | ST | Galatasaray (loan) |
| 17 | Samuel Chukwueze | RW | AC Milan |
| 11 | Taiwo Awoniyi | ST | Nottingham Forest |
| 18 | Kelechi Iheanacho | FW | Sevilla |
| 20 | Chidera Ejuke | LW | Spartak Moscow |
| 23 | Emmanuel Dennis | FW | Club career ongoing |
| 7 | Moses Simon | LW | FC Nantes |
Typical Formation — 4-2-3-1
Nigeria's preferred 4-2-3-1 builds around the Ndidi / Onyeka double pivot, freeing Iwobi to create behind Osimhen. Chukwueze and Moses Simon stretch play from the wings while Ola Aina pushes forward from right-back.
Nigeria's World Cup History
Nigeria's best ever World Cup, featuring the golden generation of Rashidi Yekini, Finidi George and Jay-Jay Okocha. Lost to Italy in extra time.
Qualified from a group including Spain. Knocked out in round of 16 by Denmark.
Tough group including England and Argentina ended in a group stage exit despite a spirited campaign.
Reached the knockout stages in Brazil, defeating Bosnia and eliminated France in group before losing to France in the last 16.
Missed out on Russia 2018 after a CAF qualification failure — a painful absence for one of Africa's biggest football nations.
Missed Qatar 2022 after a dramatic playoff loss to Ghana on away goals — a devastating result that triggered major squad rebuilding.
The bounce back: Missing two consecutive World Cups was a crisis moment for Nigerian football. The CAF qualification campaign for 2026 has been a chance to reset, and with a new generation of top-quality European-based players plus Osimhen at his prime, the Super Eagles are determined to make a major impact on the global stage once again.
AFCON 2023 Final — So Close
At the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Ivory Coast, Nigeria reached the final — their first AFCON final since 2013. It was a remarkable tournament run that saw them beat South Africa in the semi-finals, with the squad showing exceptional character and team spirit throughout.
However, in the final they faced hosts Ivory Coast — and lost 2-1 to a late comeback in what was a heartbreaking conclusion. Despite the defeat, the campaign demonstrated that this Nigeria squad has the quality, mentality and depth to compete for major honours.
That AFCON experience — playing knockout football under pressure — is precisely the kind of tournament preparation that will serve the Super Eagles well at the 2026 World Cup.
African Qualifying Route — WC2026
CAF receives 9 automatic qualifying places for the expanded 48-team World Cup 2026, up from 5 in 2022. This represents the biggest ever allocation for African football, reflecting the continent's growing influence in the global game.
Nigeria must navigate the CAF third round qualification group stage to earn their place. After missing 2018 and 2022, qualification for 2026 is non-negotiable for the Super Eagles' football programme.
Format: CAF 3rd round groups (6 groups of 4 teams) → Top 2 from each group qualify automatically (12 teams) → Six group runners-up enter an inter-confederation playoff (3 more spots).
Latest Super Eagles News
Fifa sanctions Nigeria and DR Congo over World Cup play-off
Why does Galatasaray's Osimhen wear a mask?
Former Nigeria striker Eneramo dies during match
Arsenal report: Victor Osimhen will cost Gunners £200m but club finances mean deal is affordable
Inside Arsenal chief Andrea Berta's Galatasaray trip with Viktor Osimhen transfer mediator
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