LAGOS – In a surprising move, Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has left out in-form Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche and Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers from Nigeria’s final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The omission of both players has sparked debate among fans and analysts, given their impressive performances at club level this season.
The final squad, unveiled on Tuesday, includes a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Among the four debutants are Tolu Arokodare, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Igoh Ogbu, and Kayode Bankole, all of whom will be hoping to make an impact in the crucial qualifiers.
The team also features key players such as goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Bankole, defenders William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, as well as forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Simon Moses.
However, the biggest talking point remains the exclusion of Uche and Dessers, both of whom have been in stellar form for their respective clubs. Uche, in particular, has enjoyed a breakout season since moving to Getafe from third-tier Spanish side Ceuta.
The 21-year-old midfielder has contributed three goals and three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. His ball control, passing accuracy, and tireless work rate have drawn the attention of top European clubs, including Chelsea, which is reportedly interested in securing his services.
Uche’s impact at Getafe has been significant, with the young playmaker earning the club’s Player of the Month award for August and receiving a nomination for La Liga’s U-23 Player of the Month for February 2025.
His recent performance in Getafe’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid further highlighted his abilities, as he completed 100% of his dribbles, made seven passes into the final third, and contributed defensively with two tackles won, one interception, and four recoveries.
Similarly, Dessers has been in scintillating form for Rangers, registering 10 goals and three assists in his last 13 games. The 30-year-old striker has been a key figure in the Scottish club’s attack, making his omission from the squad all the more perplexing.
While Chelle has not publicly explained his decision to drop Uche and Dessers, sources suggest that the coach prioritized a tactical balance and squad cohesion over individual brilliance.
Other notable omissions from the squad include Kelechi Iheanacho, Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka, Chidera Ejuke, and Ahmed Musa, signaling a shift in the team’s direction under Chelle’s leadership.
With Nigeria set to face Rwanda on March 21 before taking on Zimbabwe four days later, the Super Eagles will need to justify these bold selections with strong performances on the pitch.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Chelle’s gamble pays off or if the absence of Uche and Dessers will come back to haunt the team in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
