Nigeria coach to include uncapped youngsters in squad to face Zimbabwe

Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEWLY-appointed Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle is reportedly looking on roping in uncapped players ahead of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group C encounter against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

The Super Eagles, as Nigeria are fondly known, will travel to Rwanda first before hosting the Warriors during the March international break.

According to Score Nigeria website, most of the players on the list are young and the gaffer believes they will be the future of the Super Eagles.

The listed youngsters include Ethan Nwaneri (17, winger, Arsenal), George Ilenikhena (18, striker, AS Monaco), Victor Udoh (19, winger, Southampton), Ahmed Abdullahi (20, striker, Sunderland) and Kazeem Olaigbe (22, winger, Rennes).

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (20, midfielder, Inter Milan), Samuel Edozie (21, winger, Anderlecht) and Tino Anjorin (23, midfielder, Empoli) complete the list. Some of the players will have to formally apply to change their international eligibility.

The publication adds that Lille new striker Chuba Akpom and Josh Maja of West Bromwich Albion might return to the Super Eagles fold.

Chelle, who was appointed as Nigeria coach last month, is expected to submit the preliminary list of 35 players to the technical department of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who will scrutinise it before letters of invitation will be sent out.

Meanwhile, the Warriors, are set to play their highly anticipated Matchday 5, Group C, Fifa World Cup Qualifier against Benin at the renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.

This match, scheduled for March 20 at 6pm is crucial for both teams as they vie for essential points on the road to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Due to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) declaring Zimbabwe’s stadiums unfit to host international matches, the Warriors have been playing their home games in South Africa.

This decision was made after Caf assessed the National Sports Stadium in Harare and Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane, finding them below the required standards for international fixtures.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) is delighted to announce that the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team, the Warriors, will play their Matchday Five, Group C, Fifa World Cup Qualifier against Benin at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa,” said Zifa in a statement during the course of the week.