Chelle names final 23 players for 2026 FIFA WC qualifying matches against Rwanda, Zimbabwe; Morocco’s Jalal named centre referee for 2026 FIFA WC qualifying fixture between Rwanda and Nigeria

Super Eagles’ Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle has named goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Kayode Bankole, defenders William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Simon Moses 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, midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Sadiq Umar.Czech Republic-based defender Igoh Ogbu makes the final cut, alongside home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Belgium-based forward Tolu Arokodare.

Nigeria will confront group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, 21st March before taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo four days later.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, has named Morocco’s Jayed Jalal as centre referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture between Amavubi of Rwanda and Nigeria.

The matchday five encounter will hold at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali on Friday, March 21.

Jalal will be assisted by his countrymen Mostapha Akarkad and Hamza Nassiri, who will serve as first and second assistant referees respectively.

The 37-year-old was in charge when the Super Eagles defeated eternal rivals Ghana 2-1 in a friendly on March 22, 2024.

He is one of the top referees from North Africa, and has been prominent in both CAF club and international matches.

The Super Eagles occupy fifth position in Group C with three points from four games.

Rwanda tops the group with seven points from same number of matches.