W’Cup qualifiers: Chelle hands Uche, Arokodare maiden call-up as Musa returns
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made some significant selections for his first 39-man provisional squad, recalling Nigeria’s experienced captain Ahmed Musa and handing debut call-ups to in-form striker Tolu Arokodare and midfielder Chrisantus Uche ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles are set to face Rwanda on March 21, followed by a clash with Zimbabwe on March 24. These two matches are pivotal for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, with the team currently sitting fifth in Group C and needing consecutive victories to boost their chances of reaching the tournament.
The most notable inclusion in the squad is undoubtedly Nigeria’s most capped player in Musa.
Musa, who last featured for the Super Eagles before their silver-winning campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, brings invaluable experience to the team. His return signals a potential resurgence and adds leadership to a squad looking to revive its international campaign.
Arokodare’s impressive form in Belgium has earned him a well-deserved maiden call-up to the Super Eagles.
The 25-year-old striker has been in sensational form for table-toppers Genk, amassing 18 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season. With 16 league goals to his name, Arokodare leads the Belgium Jupiler Pro League scoring charts and will be hoping to replicate his club success on the international stage.
Another player who has caught the attention of coach Eric Chelle is Chrisantus Uche. The 21-year-old Getafe midfielder has been performing exceptionally well in La Liga.
Uche has been one of the most consistent performers for his Spanish club, featuring in all their league matches this season and showcasing excellent box-to-box capabilities. His recent performances have already attracted interest from top clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Adams, who made waves in Ligue 1 with Montpellier in the first half of the season before his January move to Sevilla, will be hopeful to complete his injury rehab and make the final team squad.
The squad comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in midfield.
Following a prolonged absence from the Eagles, Chelle has offered Southampton’s Joe Aribo a potential return to the team with the midfielder included in the provisional squad.
Other notable inclusions are returnees Sadiq Umar, Cyriel Dessers, and Nathan Tella, who could potentially make the final 23-man list. The provisional squad also features a mix of experienced players and fresh talents, signalling Chelle’s intent to blend youth with experience.
Key players like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi provide a strong backbone to the team, while new faces like Arokodare, Uche, and Akor Adams offer exciting potential for the future.
The Super Eagles will be acutely aware of the importance of these upcoming matches. Currently trailing leaders Rwanda in the group, Nigeria needs to secure maximum points to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive. The matches against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe in Uyo will be crucial tests for Chelle’s tactical acumen and the team’s competitive spirit.
As the squad prepares for these critical encounters, football fans across Nigeria will be watching with bated breath, hoping to see a resurgent Super Eagles team that can reignite its World Cup qualification campaign.
