Soccer
The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday revealed a provisional list consisting of 39 players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month, Soccernet.ng reports.
The move was unexpected as it was the first time in a long while that the NFF will release a provisional list before a round of Qualifiers. Nonetheless, the list is expected to be cut to 23 eventually. This means that 16 players will be left out.
Ahead of the confirmation of the 23-man squad, Soccernet.ng predicts seven of the players who will be left out.
Soccer 1. Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho was one of the most experienced players that was called up as he has 15 goals in 55 appearances for the Super Eagles. However, he has struggled badly in the last two years. This season has been topsy-turvy for him as after failing to impress at Sevilla, he had to move to Middlesbrough in January. With the quality of attackers Nigeria has, it will be a big surprise if Iheanacho makes it.
Soccer 2. Akor Adams
Adams is a surprise addition to the 30-man provisional list, as he is still struggling to find his feet at Sevilla after leaving Montpellier in January. In fact, the 25-year-old striker has not scored a goal since September 2004.
It will be a shock if Adams makes the final cut, as he is not in form, he does not have momentum, and he is just returning from a one-month injury spell.
Soccer 3. Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare is one of the newly-invited players to the Super Eagles squad. He has been knocking on the door for the past two years, and this could be his golden opportunity. This season, he has produced 18 goals and six assists in 33 appearances for Genk.
Tolu Arokodare has been unstoppable for Genk this season topping the Belgian league topscorer’s chart ⚽
A big shout for a Super Eagles call up pic.twitter.com/mVfs0do6Jt
— CenterKick (@Centerkick_) March 2, 2025
However, this might just not be his time. Arokodare has a similar profile to Paul Onuachu, who is more experienced on the international scene. As such, Arokodare may have to wait a while before getting his opportunity in Chelle’s team.
Soccer 4. Adebayo Adeleye
Adeleye currently plays for EN Paralimniou in Cyprus. He had a shout to be first-choice when the Super Eagles did not have a reliable shot-stopper. However, he has been out of the squad for a while due to the rise of Stanley Nwabali.
Five goalkeepers were invited to the team, which means that two will go home. Adeleye will likely be dropped, as he has conceded 35 goals in 23 appearances this season. Moreover, Nwabali and Maduka Okoye have sealed the first two goalkeeper slots, and the third is usually taken by a home-based goalkeeper.
Soccer 5. Kayode Bankole
Bankole’s lack of game time at Remo Stars this season makes him a top pick to exit the team. He was one of the hottest shot-stoppers in the NPFL last season, but he has had to play second fiddle to Benin goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi for most of the campaign. He also lacks experience, unlike Amas Obasogie, who has been in the Super Eagles squad multiple times.
Soccer 6. Anthony Dennis
Anthony Dennis is getting his maiden call-up at the worst time. This is because there are many top Nigerian defensive midfielders currently. Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika are the top two, and Frank Onyeka could even fill that space. Dennis might have to wait till another time before breaking into the squad.
Soccer 7. Ifeanyi Onyebuchi
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi is the only home-based defender who was called up. Aside from Igoh Ogbu, he is also the only defender without one cap at least.
The 24-year-old center-back is also at a disadvantage because Nigeria has many decent players in that position. Except for a stroke of luck, Onyebuchi will not make the final list.
Read MoreKelvin Omachonu