Goalkeeper Bankole Kayode has expressed his excitement after being named in Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Bankole, who has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the NPFL, has earned his first senior call-up after consistently impressing for Daniel Ogunmodede’s side.
The 22-year-old is one of three goalkeepers selected by Chelle, alongside Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali and Singida Black Stars’ Amas Obasogie.
Taking to his X page, Bankole shared his joy over the opportunity:
“I’m more than excited and honored to have gotten my first call up to the Super Eagles team ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
“Thanks to everyone for the support. Now, let’s get to work. It’s time to get the World Cup ticket for our fatherland.”
This marks Bankole’s first invitation to the Super Eagles’ main squad after previously being part of the B team.
He was a key figure in the home-based Super Eagles squad that secured qualification for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Nigeria will take on Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25.
With the Super Eagles struggling early in the qualifiers, these matches are crucial as they look to revive their World Cup hopes.
Full Super Eagles 23-Man Squad
Goalkeepers:
– Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
– Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
– Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria)
Defenders:
– William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
– Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
– Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
– Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
– Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
– Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
– Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
– Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
– Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
– Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
– Joe Aribo (Southampton, England)
– Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria)
Forwards:
– Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
– Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
– Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
– Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Moses Simon (Nantes, France)
– Sadiq Umar (Valencia, Spain)
– Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
