The Nigeria Soccer Federation on Tuesday revealed a provisional record consisting of 39 gamers for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in opposition to Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month, Soccernet.ng studies.
The transfer was sudden because it was the primary time in a protracted whereas that the NFF will launch a provisional record earlier than a spherical of Qualifiers. Nonetheless, the record is predicted to be lower to 23 finally. Because of this 16 gamers will likely be ignored.
Forward of the affirmation of the 23-man squad, Soccernet.ng predicts seven of the gamers who will likely be ignored.
1. Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho was some of the skilled gamers that was known as up as he has 15 targets in 55 appearances for the Tremendous Eagles. Nonetheless, he has struggled badly within the final two years. This season has been topsy-turvy for him as after failing to impress at Sevilla, he needed to transfer to Middlesbrough in January. With the standard of attackers Nigeria has, it will likely be an enormous shock if Iheanacho makes it.
2. Akor Adams
Adams is a shock addition to the 30-man provisional record, as he’s nonetheless struggling to search out his ft at Sevilla after leaving Montpellier in January. The truth is, the 25-year-old striker has not scored a objective since September 2004.
Will probably be a shock if Adams makes the ultimate lower, as he isn’t in type, he doesn’t have momentum, and he’s simply getting back from a one-month damage spell.
3. Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare is among the newly-invited gamers to the Tremendous Eagles squad. He has been knocking on the door for the previous two years, and this might be his golden alternative. This season, he has produced 18 targets and 6 assists in 33 appearances for Genk.
Tolu Arokodare has been unstoppable for Genk this season topping the Belgian league topscorer’s chart ⚽
An enormous shout for a Tremendous Eagles name up pic.twitter.com/mVfs0do6Jt
— CenterKick (@Centerkick_) March 2, 2025
Nonetheless, this may simply not be his time. Arokodare has an identical profile to Paul Onuachu, who’s extra skilled on the worldwide scene. As such, Arokodare could have to attend some time earlier than getting his alternative in Chelle’s group.
4. Adebayo Adeleye
Adeleye at present performs for EN Paralimniou in Cyprus. He had a shout to be first-choice when the Tremendous Eagles didn’t have a dependable shot-stopper. Nonetheless, he has been out of the squad for some time as a result of rise of Stanley Nwabali.
5 goalkeepers have been invited to the group, which implies that two will go dwelling. Adeleye will doubtless be dropped, as he has conceded 35 targets in 23 appearances this season. Furthermore, Nwabali and Maduka Okoye have sealed the primary two goalkeeper slots, and the third is normally taken by a home-based goalkeeper.
5. Kayode Bankole
Bankole’s lack of sport time at Remo Stars this season makes him a high decide to exit the group. He was one of many hottest shot-stoppers within the NPFL final season, however he has needed to play second fiddle to Benin goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi for many of the marketing campaign. He additionally lacks expertise, in contrast to Amas Obasogie, who has been within the Tremendous Eagles squad a number of instances.
6. Anthony Dennis
Anthony Dennis is getting his maiden call-up on the worst time. It is because there are lots of high Nigerian defensive midfielders at present. Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika are the highest two, and Frank Onyeka may even fill that area. Dennis may need to attend until one other time earlier than breaking into the squad.
7. Ifeanyi Onyebuchi
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi is the one home-based defender who was known as up. Apart from Igoh Ogbu, he’s additionally the one defender with out one cap not less than.
The 24-year-old center-back can also be at an obstacle as a result of Nigeria has many first rate gamers in that place. Aside from a stroke of luck, Onyebuchi won’t make the ultimate record.