Sadiq and Aribo return, home-based players included in Nigeria's squad for World Cup qualifiers
Both players were left out of the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations squad but have now been recalled as Chelle looks to bolster the Super Eagles with experienced options.
The squad also features two home-based players, goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) and midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), in a move that highlights Chelle's commitment to integrating Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) talents into the national team setup.
Their inclusion could open the door for more local players to earn international recognition.
Chelle has largely kept faith in the core squad that represented Nigeria at AFCON, with Stanley Nwabali maintaining his place as the first-choice goalkeeper following an impressive tournament in Cote d'Ivoire.
The defensive unit remains strong, featuring William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while the midfield is anchored by Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika.
In attack, Nigeria boasts a formidable frontline led by Victor Osimhen, who will spearhead the Super Eagles' charge for goals.
He is joined by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Victor Boniface, as well as Nathan Tella and Tolu Arokodare, giving Chelle plenty of firepower.
Nigeria faces a tough challenge in Group C, where Rwanda currently leads the standings. The Super Eagles will play the Amavubi in Kigali on March 21, before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.
With their World Cup qualification hopes on the line, Chelle's squad will need to secure maximum points to stay in contention for a place at the global tournament.
Czech-based defender Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague) also makes the final cut, strengthening the backline, while Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) completes the trio of goalkeepers alongside Nwabali and Bankole.
The squad balances experience and youth, with key returns, home-based inclusions, and a wealth of attacking options.
All eyes will now be on Chelle's men as they prepare for two crucial matches that could shape Nigeria's road to the 2026 World Cup.
Squad
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Ola 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, Nigeria)
Forwards:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
3 hours ago
- CAF
CAF and The Laughing Cow® from the BEL Group conclude Official Supplier Agreement for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025
The Confédération Africaine de Football ('CAF') and The Laughing Cow®, one of the world's most iconic cheese brands of Bel Group today concluded the Official Supplier Agreement for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations ('AFCON') Morocco 2025. The signing ceremony, which took place today in Casablanca, was attended by CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba and Jérôme Garbi, Global Cheese Chief Officer, and Europe, Middle-East, Africa & Overseas CEO of Bel Group. This partnership builds on The Laughing Cow®'s long-standing presence in Africa and deep local anchorage. Since the 1960s, the brand has become an integral part of daily life for millions of African families. In Morocco, where it is produced locally at Bel Group's Tangier factory, a major industrial and export hub for Africa and the Middle East, The Laughing Cow® is found in 8 out of 10 households. CAF General Secretary, Mosengo-Omba said: 'The significant interest and support by Moroccan, African and global companies in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 is an indication of the growing popularity of the competition not only in Morocco but globally. On behalf of the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, we welcome the BEL Group and The Laughing Cow® to the CAF family. We look forward to continued partnership with them.' Jérôme Garbi said: 'The Laughing Cow® has always stood for sharing and togetherness. Joining the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 is a natural and meaningful step for us, to connect with people, support communities, and celebrate what brings us all together: joy. We are especially proud to carry on a pioneering tradition. The Laughing Cow® was one of the first brands in the world to partner with sports events as early as the 1920s. This new chapter in Africa continues that legacy, with impact and smiles at the heart of everything we do.' A Celebration of Football, Culture, and Togetherness As part of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, Morocco 2025, The Laughing Cow® will bring its joyful spirit to stadiums, fan zones, local markets and communities and social platforms. From interactive fan experiences and in-store activations to content celebrating African football culture, the brand will help make the tournament a celebration of unity and joy across borders. For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, visit . For Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
See - Sada Elbalad
11 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
US Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Passes away
Rana Atef On Thursday, WWE and US wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died at the age of 71, his manager confirmed. Chris Volo told NBC Los Angeles that Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, and died surrounded by his family. Rumors about Hogan's health have trended for weeks, after he reportedly was hospitalized. Just last week, his wife, Sky, denied rumors that he was in a coma, stating that his heart was 'strong' after multiple surgeries. Known from his blonde horseshoe mustache and bandanas, Hogan was one of the most popular wrestling stars of the 1980s and considered one of the sport's greatest of all time. Known for his ring movements, he helped transform professional wrestling into entertainment, primarily through his partnership with Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). In 1996, Hogan founded the New World Order (NWO) and became Hollywood Hulk Hogan. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Al-Ahram Weekly
13 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
From hospital bed to Euro hero - Bonmati back to her decisive best for Spain - World
"You could write a book about this," said Aitana Bonmati on Wednesday as she reflected on the last few weeks in her life after scoring the goal which took Spain into the final of the Women's Euro 2025. At the end of June the world's leading women's footballer was lying in hospital with viral meningitis and it looked like she might not be able to play for Spain at the tournament in Switzerland. Now she is preparing to lead her team into Sunday's final against England in Basel, in a rematch of the 2023 World Cup decider which Spain won, after converting the only goal of the last-four clash with Germany late in extra time. "When the ball went in I started running around like a crazy person. I didn't know where to go," a smiling Bonmati said as she spoke to media at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich after collecting the trophy for player of the match. "It is so special to score in games like these and if I can help the team to keep making history that is very special indeed." Barcelona midfielder Bonmati, who has won the Ballon d'Or in each of the last two years, was taken into hospital at the end of June after reporting feeling unwell. Tests confirmed that she was suffering from a bout of viral meningitis and Bonmati could only watch from bed as her teammates beat Japan in a friendly. Viral meningitis is less serious than the rarer bacterial variant, which can lead to death within 24 hours, but it still seemed like a long shot for her to recover in time for the Euros. Growing rivalry Yet she did recover, and appeared as a late substitute in Spain's opening game at the tournament, a 5-0 win over Portugal in Bern on July 3. The 27-year-old was back in the starting line-up for their final group match, a 3-1 victory over Italy, and retained her place for the quarter-final against the host nation before scoring the winner against Germany. "I don't believe in destiny, just in hard work and in my own mentality. I can only thank everyone who has supported me because it has not been easy," Bonmati admitted. "She didn't have an easy start to the Euros but she has managed to overcome her health problems and has worked hard to get fit again," remarked coach Montse Tome. Spain are now into their first ever senior women's European Championship final, two years after winning the World Cup for the first time. Bonmati was one of the stars of that superb team which defeated England in Sydney, and is now dreaming of another title. La Roja are the favourites, even if England are the defending continental champions, for the latest instalment in a growing rivalry between the nations. As well as the 2023 Women's World Cup final, Spain beat England in the final of the men's Euros last year in Berlin. In late May an Arsenal side featuring several members of Sarina Wiegman's current England squad defeated Barcelona in the final of the Women's Champions League. Seven of the players who started for Barcelona that day in Lisbon also started against Germany on Wednesday, among them goalkeeper Cata Coll who made several vital saves before Bonmati got the winner. "Cata played really well, with some big saves when we were suffering," Bonmati said of Coll, who missed all of Spain's three group games due to tonsilitis. "Neither of us had the start we wanted at this Euros due to illness but we are lucky to be here today. "It shows what can happen in life. In the end we have had good news." (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
