Super Eagles amp opens: Osimhen, Arokodare among early arrivals for Rwanda clash

The Super Eagles have officially opened camp as they gear up for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

As of Monday morning, six players have reported for duty, including Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), and home-based midfielder Papa Mustapha. Goalkeepers Kayode Bankole and Amas Obasogie, along with Belgium-based striker Tolu Arokodare, have also arrived early.

With Nigeria currently fifth in the group after failing to secure a win in their last four games, head coach Éric Chelle faces intense pressure to turn things around. The upcoming matches are must-wins if the three-time African champions are to avoid missing out on a second consecutive World Cup.

Osimhen’s presence provides a huge boost to the attack, while Onyemaechi strengthens the defense. Papa Mustapha, who earned his first senior call-up, will be looking to make an impression. The early arrival of goalkeepers Bankole and Obasogie adds competition between the posts, with first-choice Stanley Nwabali yet to report.

Meanwhile, Arokodare, a new face in the squad, will aim to prove himself as the Super Eagles seek a sharper frontline.

Nigeria will face group leaders Rwanda on March 21 in Kigali before returning home to battle Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25. More players from the 23-man squad are expected to join the camp in the coming days.

Full Super Eagles Squad for Rwanda and Zimbabwe Matches

Goalkeepers

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
• Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

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 Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
• Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
• Jordan Torunarigha (KRC Genk, Belgium)

Forwards

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
• Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain)
• Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

The Super Eagles will be hoping to rekindle their World Cup qualification campaign with two strong performances in the upcoming fixtures.