Nigerian football icon and Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has issued a stark warning, calling failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup a “total disaster” for Nigerian football. As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Musa’s return to the national team has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts.

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Ahmed Musa’s Shock Comeback to Super Eagles

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named Ahmed Musa in the provisional 39-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The veteran forward, who was part of Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 squad but did not feature in any match, had been absent from the team since then.

Musa, Nigeria’s all-time World Cup top scorer, last played in a competitive match for the Eagles in 2022, making his return a major talking point. His inclusion comes as Nigeria sits in fourth place in Group C, managing just three points from four games—a dire situation that puts their qualification hopes in jeopardy.

Super Eagles’ Must-Win Matches

The Super Eagles will face Rwanda on March 21 and Zimbabwe on March 25, knowing that anything less than victory in both games could shatter their World Cup dreams. Coach Eric Chelle, appointed in January 2025, has opted for a blend of experienced veterans and fresh talents in his squad selection.

Star Players and New Faces in the Squad

Regulars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and William Troost-Ekong have retained their places in the squad. However, there are some notable recalls and debut call-ups:

• Returning Players: Jordan Torunarigha, Joe Aribo, Cyriel Dessers, Nathan Tella
• Debut Call-Ups: Tolu Arokodare, Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Anthony Dennis, Chrisantus Uche, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Akor Adams

The final squad will be trimmed to 23 players before the qualifiers begin.

Nigeria’s 39-Man Provisional Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
• Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
• Adeleye Adebayo (Enosis Paralimni, Cyprus)
• Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

Defenders:

• William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
• Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France)
• Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
• Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
• Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• Jordan Torunarigha (Gent, Belgium)
• Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International, Nigeria)

Midfielders:

• Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
• Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, Germany)
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
• Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)
• Anthony Dennis (Goztepe, Turkey)
• Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
• Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)

Forwards:

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
• Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough, England)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France)
• Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
• Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
• Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
• Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
• Paul Onuachu (Southampton, England)
• Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars, Nigeria)
• Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)

Will Musa’s Leadership Inspire a Super Eagles Comeback?

With Nigeria struggling in their World Cup qualifying campaign, Musa’s experience and leadership could prove crucial in motivating the team. However, questions remain over whether the 32-year-old still has the pace and sharpness to contribute effectively on the pitch.

Can the Super Eagles bounce back and keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive? Stay tuned to Sportsligue.com for the latest updates and expert analysis.

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