Nigeria have named their 23-man squad for October’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, with head coach Eric Chelle handing Sevilla striker Akor Adams a first-ever call-up.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the team, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return after missing previous outings.
Stanley Nwabali remains first-choice goalkeeper, joined by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye.
Defensively, Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey all make the cut.
The midfield features Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf, offering a blend of experience and energy.
Up front, Victor Osimhen headlines the attack alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, the recalled Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Adams.
The announcement comes at a critical moment in Group C, where Nigeria’s chances have been revived following FIFA’s sanction on South Africa.
The ruling overturned Bafana Bafana’s 2–0 win against Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 victory to Lesotho and deducting three points from South Africa.
That decision leaves Benin and South Africa tied at the top with 14 points each, Nigeria and Rwanda just behind on 11, while Lesotho now sit on nine.
Zimbabwe remain bottom with four points and are already eliminated.
For the Super Eagles, victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would take them level with the leaders, ahead of a decisive home clash against Benin in Uyo on October 14.
Two wins could leave Nigeria on 17 points, potentially enough for automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s remaining fixtures in Durban and Mbombela.
Should they fall short, Chelle’s men could still qualify as one of Africa’s four best runners-up, though goal difference will be key.
With a current tally of plus two, emphatic wins are vital if Nigeria are to seal a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
