Belgium-based striker Tolu Arokodare has received his first-ever invitation to the Nigerian national team as Éric Sékou Chelle announced a 39-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The squad includes established names such as William Ekong, Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi. New faces like Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, and Papa Daniel Mustapha have also been included in the squad.
Nigeria, currently fifth in Group C, will face table-toppers Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on March 25.
Key Players in the Squad
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Maduka Okoye (Udinese), Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni)
- Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce)
- Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg), Joseph Aribo (Southampton)
- Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars)
Arokodare, who plays for KRC Genk in Belgium, will be eager to make his mark if included in the final 23-man squad. The Super Eagles will be aiming to secure maximum points as they look to revive their qualification campaign.
