Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has released a 23-man list for this month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, with Sevilla striker Akor Adams earning a maiden call-up.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the squad, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun return to the national team fold.
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali keeps his place, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye. Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey are named in defence.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf provide both experience and energy.
Nigeria’s attack is spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun and debutant Adams.
The squad announcement comes at a decisive point in Group C, where Nigeria’s qualification hopes had dimmed after five draws in eight matches.
However, FIFA’s sanction on South Africa has shifted the balance in the Eagles’ favour.
The disciplinary ruling overturned South Africa’s 2–0 win against Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 victory to the Crocodiles and stripping Bafana Bafana of three crucial points.
The new table has Benin and South Africa level on 14 points, with Nigeria and Rwanda on 11. Lesotho are on nine, while Zimbabwe remain bottom with four and are already out.
For the Eagles, victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would move them level with the leaders, before hosting Benin in Uyo four days later.
Two wins could take Chelle’s men to 17 points — possibly enough for automatic qualification, depending on South Africa’s results.
If not, they may advance as one of the four best runners-up, though their goal difference of plus two leaves them at a disadvantage.
