Nigeria have announced their 23-man squad for October’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin on Friday, with head coach, Eric Chelle handing Sevilla striker, Akor Adams a maiden call-up.
Captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the team, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun all return after spells away from the national side.
Stanley Nwabali retains his place as first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye, while Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey are drafted into defence.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf provide Chelle with both experience and energy.
Nigeria’s forward line is led by Victor Osimhen and also features Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, the returning Olakunle Olusegun and debutant, Adams.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture in Group C of the African qualifiers.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup had appeared to be slipping away after five draws in eight matches, but FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa has dramatically altered the picture.
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 decision means Benin and South Africa are now tied at the top with 14 points each, Nigeria and Rwanda sit just behind on 11, while Lesotho have been lifted to nine. Zimbabwe remain bottom on four and is already eliminated.
For the Super Eagles, the sanction has breathed new life into their campaign. A win over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would take them level on points with the leaders before their final home match against Benin in Uyo four days later.
Two victories could see Nigeria finish on 17 points, which may be enough to secure automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results in Durban and Mbombela.
Should they fall short, Chelle’s side may still progress as one of the four best runners-up across Africa, but goal difference will then come into play.
Nigeria’s current tally of plus two leaves them at a disadvantage compared to Benin and South Africa, making emphatic victories all the more crucial if they are to secure a spot at the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Credit: punchng.com
