Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Leading the line is Victor Osimhen, who returns after missing June’s 1-1 draw with South Africa due to injury. Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and captain William Troost-Ekong also make the cut, alongside recalls for Terem Moffi, Semi Ajayi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Nigeria, sitting third in Group C with 11 points, trails Benin Republic and South Africa by three points with two games to play. However, the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes were boosted after FIFA deducted three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March 2025.
There is also a maiden call-up for Sevilla striker Akor Adams, adding fresh firepower to Chelle’s attacking options.
Full Squad List
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 (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).
