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 Marchbefore taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo four days later. List of 23 Super Eagles for Rwanda, Zimbabwe Games
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
NSC commends Bolaji, Badminton Federation after Gold Medal triumph
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended Paralympic bronze medalist Eniola Bolaji and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria following Bolaji’s remarkable victory at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton International II in Vitoria. Bolaji secured yet another gold medal, extending her flawless record to 11 wins in 11 international appearances. The multiple African champion displayed sheer dominance in the women’s singles SL3 final, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna 2-0 (21-15, 21-15).
Her journey to the podium was nothing short of extraordinary, overcoming top opponents from Brazil, France, Australia, and India with commanding performances. NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, hailed Bolaji’s victory as a testament to Nigeria’s rising status in para sports. “Eniola Bolaji’s triumph is a proud moment for Nigerian sports. Her dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent continue to inspire the next generation of athletes. The National Sports Commission remains committed to supporting para-athletes and ensuring they have the resources to succeed on the global stage.” On the other hand, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for its commitment to excellence and player development.
“The consistent success of our para badminton players, led by Eniola Bolaji, underscores the impact of strategic investment in sports development. We applaud the Federation’s efforts and assure them of the Commission’s unwavering support in creating more opportunities for athletes to shine internationally.” In the semifinals, Bolaji showcased her exceptional form with a dominant 2-0 (21-12, 21-6) win over India’s Neeraj, booking her spot in the final. President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih praised Bolaji’s remarkable achievement, noting that the gold marks her second in just two months.
He also thanked the National Sports Commission for their timely intervention, which has been crucial in aiding the federation’s growth. The Commission’s support and encouragement spells a new dawn for Sports development in Nigeria. The NSC leadership reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing Nigeria’s sporting talents and pledged continued collaboration with the Badminton Federation to enhance the country’s presence in global para sports competitions.
