The Super Eagles face pivotal matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this June. Currently positioned third in Group C with two points, behind Rwanda and South Africa, the Eagles are potentially without key players like William Troost Ekong, Moses Simon, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Zaidu Sanusi. In light of this, here are suggested seven players who could be called up.
Gift Orban Striker, Olympique Lyon Initially called up in September 2023, Orban was left out of the AFCON 2023 squad due to early struggles at Lyon. However, his recent performance, including scoring in consecutive games, might earn him a recall.
Henry Onyekuru Left Winger, Al Fayha Onyekuru has excelled in his first season in Saudi Arabia, achieving double digits in goals for the first time since his stint at Galatasaray.
Chidera Ejuke Left Winger, Royal Antwerp After a challenging loan at Hertha Berlin, Ejuke has revitalized his career at Antwerp, contributing significantly to their campaign.
Maduka Okoye Goalkeeper, Udinese Following a tough start, Okoye has become Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper, expressing a keen interest in returning to the national team.
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Ibrahim Olawoyin Midfielder, Rizespor Having shown consistent performance in the Turkish Super Lig, Olawoyin’s recent form could see him back in the national team setup.
Emmanuel Dennis Striker, Watford Rediscovering his form at Watford, Dennis looks to make a significant impact upon his return to the national team.
Kingsley Ehizibue Right Back, Udinese Despite a disrupted debut call up in 2020, Ehizibue is eager to realize his dream of playing for the Super Eagles, bolstered by regular appearances for Udinese.
Editorial
As the Super Eagles gear up for crucial World Cup qualifiers, the integration of new talents could be pivotal in reinvigorating the team’s dynamics. The potential absence of several key players opens the door for others to step up and be counted, turning what could be a setback into an opportunity for fresh talent to shine.
The players highlighted bring not only skill but also fresh enthusiasm to the team, qualities that could catalyze a strong campaign. Players like Gift Orban and Chidera Ejuke, who have shown resilience in overcoming their professional challenges, embody the spirit needed at this level of competition. Similarly, the inclusion of seasoned performers like Henry Onyekuru and newcomers like Kingsley Ehizibue underscores the blend of experience and new perspectives essential for a successful team strategy.
As the team faces these high-stakes matches, it is crucial to balance tactical wisdom with the invigorating energy of players eager to make their mark. Such a strategy could not only strengthen the team’s performance in the qualifiers but also set a robust foundation for the future, demonstrating the depth and versatility of Nigeria’s football talent.
Did You Know?
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted jointly by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from 32.
- William Troost Ekong has played a crucial role in Watford’s defense and is a cornerstone for the Nigerian national team.
- The Nigeria Premier Football League, from where players like Ibrahim Olawoyin have emerged, serves as a vital talent pipeline for the national team.
- Udinese Calcio, featuring players like Maduka Okoye and Kingsley Ehizibue, has a history of nurturing Nigerian talent, including the legendary Christian Okoye.
- Royal Antwerp, where Chidera Ejuke is currently on loan, is one of Belgium’s oldest clubs, often playing a significant role in developing young talents.
