According to a report by The Vanguard on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in preparation for Nigeria's high-stakes 2027 FIFA World Cup, head coach Éric Chelle has named a formidable 24-man squad. Doubleheader against Tanzania's Taifa Stars in their quest to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The roster, which includes both established European club stars and promising young players, highlights Nigeria's desperation to win every game and guaranty a spot in the continental final.

With the 2027 African Football Confederation (AFCON) on the horizon, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, Nigeria is in a precarious position as they sit atop Group L.

In an effort to turn things around and secure the only automatic qualification spot, coach Chelle has put together a formidable squad.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas and defensive stalwarts Calvin Bassey of Fulham and Semi Ajayi of Hull City form the backbone of the squad.

Midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Lazio and Alex Iwobi of Fulham will be the engine room for creativity and experience.

Atletico Madrid's Ademola Lookman, Paris FC's Moses Simon, Coventry City's Taiwo Awoniyi, and Venezia's in-form forward Akor Adams are all part of the attacking department's absolute firepower.

Chippa United's Stanley Nwabali, Charlton Athletic's Arthur Okonkwo, and Omonia FC's Francis Uzoho are the goalkeepers.

Oluwasemilogo, Calvin Bassey of Fulham, and Olaoluwa Aina of Nottingham Forest are the defenders. Hull City's Ajayi, Birmingham's Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olympiakos' Bruno Onyemaechi, Brentford's Benjamin Fredricks, Trabzonspor's Chibuike Nwaiwu, and Bani Ostrava's Abdullahi Bewene.

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas, Alex Iwobi of Fulham, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Lazio, Alhassan Yusuf of New England Revolution, Tochukwu Nnadi of Marseille, Samson Tijani of Podbrezova, and Mubarak Suleiman of Slavia Prague.​

Tolu Arokodare of Ajax, Moses Simon of Paris FC, Taiwo Awoniyi of Coventry City, Ademola Lookman of Venezia, and Moses Usor of Lask are the forwards.

On Friday, November 13, the Super Eagles will play host to Tanzania, who are also co-hosts of the tournament, at Uyo's Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

On Tuesday, November 17, after the home game, the squad will play the rematch at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar.

Everyone in the country is waiting to see if Chelle's team can get the crucial victories they need to qualify for the finals next summer, as Group L is in a tight race.