Victor Osimhen may be the most dangerous striker in African football. He scored 26 goals in a single Serie A season to win the title with Napoli, and he now has the World Cup in his sights. On the wing Ademola Lookman adds Atalanta flair, and he is the man who scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final. Between them, the Super Eagles have the firepower to hurt any defence.
Éric Chelle is the manager, William Troost-Ekong completes the core, and Nigeria sit around 36th in the FIFA ranking.
Is this Africa's strongest squad?
There is a decent case for it. Osimhen's pace, power and finishing are world-class, and he has a Serie A winner's medal to prove it. Lookman's hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final was historic, and it showed he delivers when the stakes are high. The depth is arguably the best on the continent, with players spread across the Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga. Pace, power and technique together make Nigeria one of the most explosive teams at the tournament. AFCON rivalries have hardened the players for pressure too.
We rate them the most talented African team at the 2026 World Cup. Osimhen and Lookman can tear any defence apart, and the depth behind them is frightening.
The one thing likely to stop Nigeria is Nigeria. If the politics stay out of the dressing room, the Super Eagles can fly as far as the quarter-finals.
Tomorrow: number 17.
