Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with Sevilla striker Akor Adams handed his first senior call-up. The squad blends experienced internationals with fresh talent as the Super Eagles aim to reignite their qualification campaign.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali remains the undisputed first choice, joined by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye as back-up options. The defense will be marshalled by captain William Troost-Ekong alongside familiar faces like Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi, while Germany-based Felix Agu and Belgium’s Benjamin Fredericks add depth.
The midfield group sees a balance of steel and creativity, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka leading the line, supported by Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi of New England Revolution.
Up front, the firepower is undeniable. Victor Osimhen headlines a forward line that includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, Terem Moffi, and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare. Akor Adams makes his debut, while Russia-based Olakunle Olusegun also gets the nod.
The announcement comes at a pivotal stage in Group C. Following FIFA’s sanction on South Africa, both South Africa and Benin now sit on 14 points, with Nigeria trailing on 11. Victory against Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 could lift the Eagles level on points before their final showdown against Benin Republic in Uyo four days later. Two wins would place Nigeria on 17 points—potentially enough for automatic qualification, depending on other results. Failing that, the Eagles could still qualify as one of Africa’s four best runners-up, where goal difference may prove decisive.
Chelle and his team will look to seize the opportunity created by the reshuffled group standings and push hard for a place at the World Cup. With a potent mix of seasoned leaders and emerging stars, Nigeria’s path to qualification has been given new life.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Tolu Arokodare (Wolves, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)
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