The Super Eagles of Nigeria have announced their 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Head coach Eric Chelle handed Sevilla striker Akor Adams his first-ever senior call-up, while team captain William Troost-Ekong leading the list, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun all return after spells away from the national side.
Stanley Nwabali keeps his spot as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye named as backups.
The defensive lineup includes Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf bring a blend of experience and dynamism to the squad.
Nigeria’s attack is spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, with support from Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, the returning Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Adams.
The squad list arrives at a crucial stage of Group C in the African qualifiers.
After managing just five draws in eight matches, Nigeria’s World Cup hopes looked to be fading, until FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa shifted the dynamics in their favour.
The Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes were revived after FIFA’s disciplinary ruling against South Africa, which nullified their 2-0 win over Lesotho and awarded a 3-0 victory to Lesotho, docking Bafana Bafana three vital points.
Nigeria now sits third in Group C with 11 points, behind Benin and South Africa, who are tied on 14 points each.
A win over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would put Nigeria level with the group leaders, setting up a crucial home clash against Benin in Uyo on October 14.
