Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal believes the Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s released squad list for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are good enough to overcome Rwanda and South Africa.
On Friday Chelle unveiled a provisional 31-man squad ahead of next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
Nigeria will host Rwanda in early September before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on September 9.
With Nigeria currently fourth in Group C on seven points, behind South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin Republic, the two fixtures could prove decisive in the country’s qualification hopes for the tournament set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year.
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Speaking with Completesports.com, Lawal stated that the players invited for the make-or-mar games can pick the six points if they are truly determined to achieve it.
“I am delighted with the list of players invited to face Rwanda and South Africa for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. It’s a full-package squad capable of beating any team on a good day.
“This is a squad full of talents, and I expect the players to do everything possible to ensure they pick the six points. These two games are important for the team if they are to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“I expect nothing but victory against Rwanda and South Africa.”



8 Comments
THIS IS THE 98% BEST LIST OF INVITATION OF PLAYERS EVER BY NIGERIA COACH ERIC CHELLE. THE ONLY DEFICIENCY IS BONIFACE & SADIQ-UMAR.
BASE ON PAST ADVICE BY MY LAST ANALYST, THE PERFORMANCE OF LAST TEN CONSECUTIVE MATCHES OF THESE PLAYERS IS ZERO, NOTHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT.. AND THIS HAVE REALLY SHOWS THAT ERIC CHELLE IS LISTEN TO DICTATORSHIP. BECAUSE IF NOT,. WHY THESE PLAYERS WERE INVITED. SADIQ-UMAR HAS NOT BEEN PLAYING REGULAR FOR HIS CLUB. LIKEWISE ALSO, BONIFACE SEAT ON BENCH THROUGHOUT LAST SEASON (a once a top striker) AND NOW HE IS SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENT IN LEVERKUSEN TEAM.
ALTHOUGH
## ONUACHU, IHEANACHO, AHMED -MUSA, OMERUO DESERVE NOT TO BE NEAR/NVITED TO THE TEAM ANY MORE ##
**BETTER PLAYERS ARE STILL AWAITING.
LIKE OLUWASEGUN, DUROSIMI, GIFT-ORBAN, GABRIEL-OSHO, ANTHONY-DENNUA, OLAWOYIN.
Yes. To invite those players you mentioned above is to do incalculable harm to super eagle. All those players lived in the past. Their legs are tired for God sake.
Yes! You’re right Lawal. Very possible.
Rio Chima Ngumoha Adigun
So this Liverpool wonderkid is Nigerian. The English FA has seized this one too and clever hidden the 2 names that clearly point to his Nigerian heritage – Chima and Adigun.
Putting Rio on his shirt instead is more convenient for the FA and the English press.
Hahahaha… No wonder. I was beginning to question why Nigerian sport media has been reporting about this guy from pre-seaaon
Nigerian talent just full everywhere o. In fact, if not cos of our disorganized political and economic systems, Nigeria should be dominant the world of sports and could have won at least 2 World Cups.
I would have said if we could convince him for the U20, but English FA and Press will win with their superior systems.
I just hope he doesn’t turn out to be a case of Tammy Abraham and Tomori. At least Saka’s gamble paid off.
Kel or wat? Sharaap dere!
Jus becos yuh didnt knew dat he ees 9ja did not meant dat others dont knows, yuh are just behind tings becos yuh are slow – Ngumoha ees also a Nigreains names for yur info.
Ewu mbiribiri like yuh lmaaoo – de pipo haf already call for hin to be inviting to super Eagles by Chelle. Did some researsh. Fullish man
Lol. Yaboah, Yaboah. How you dey nah 😉 . Long time, no abuse. Wetin happen?
I didn’t know nah and you tell me before. No be everything I know o. Lol.