2026 WCQ: Osimhen, Lookman Lead Nigeria’s Starting XI Against Rwanda

The moment we’ve been waiting for is here Nigeria is set to take on Rwanda in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier, and guess what? Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are leading our attack! Get ready for some serious fireworks up front.

This match marks a fresh chapter for Eric Chelle, who just took over as head coach in January. It’s his first official game in charge, and he’s coming in strong with a well-balanced starting XI. Nigeria sits 5th in Group C with just three points, meaning every game from here on out is a must-win if we want to book our ticket to the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year.

The Super Eagles’ Lineup Breakdown

Between the sticks, Stanley Nwabali keeps his spot as the last line of defense. The back four features captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel—solid names who know how to keep things tight at the back.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will be running the show, controlling the tempo and linking up play. Out wide, we’ve got the speed and flair of Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, ready to wreak havoc on the flanks. And up front? The dynamic duo of Osimhen and Lookman, primed to bang in the goals. If the supply is right, expect the net to shake!

The Road to Qualification

The mission is simple: win, win, and win some more. Nigeria needs to grab all the remaining points to have a shot at automatic qualification. The talent is there, and with the right energy, this squad can go all the way.