Ahmed Musa Returns: Nigeria's Expanded Squad for Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Captain Ahmed Musa has made his return to the Nigeria squad for the first time since February 2024. This comes after coach Eric Chelle announced a 39-man provisional squad for this month's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

This announcement marks a significant moment for the Super Eagles as they prepare to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in these crucial matches. Chelle, who took over in January, will now have the opportunity to assess his pool of players, though the roster is expected to be trimmed down to a final 23-man squad soon.

Key Returns and New Faces

Musa, who last featured in the Nigeria squad during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations finals, leads a list of notable returnees. Among them are Cyriel Dessers, Joe Aribo, Kayode Bankole, Zaidu Sanusi, Nathan Tella, and Jordan Torunarigha.

In addition to these familiar names, Chelle has introduced several new faces, including defenders Igoh Ogbu and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, midfielders Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha, and forwards Tolu Arokodare and Jerome Akor Adams.

The Stakes Are High

Nigeria's current position in the group is far from ideal. The Super Eagles are fifth, trailing behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho. With their World Cup qualification hanging in the balance, the pressure is on Chelle to deliver results quickly.

The upcoming matches, starting with an away game against group leaders Rwanda on March 21, followed by a home game against Zimbabwe on March 25, are critical for the three-time African champions. These encounters could shape the course of Nigeria's 2026 World Cup campaign, and possibly Chelle's future with the team as well.

Provisional Squad Overview

Nigeria's provisional squad for the World Cup qualifiers includes:

• Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo, Kayode Bankole
• Defenders: William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Gabriel Osho, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Jordan Torunarigha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi
• Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, Papa Daniel Mustapha
• Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Simon Moses, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Ahmed Musa, Jerome Akor Adams

With the return of seasoned players like Musa and the introduction of fresh talent, the Super Eagles are looking to soar high in the upcoming qualifiers. However, challenges abound, and only time will tell where this expanded squad takes Nigeria in their journey towards World Cup qualification.