Nigeria on Friday unveiled a 23-man squad for October’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin, with head coach Eric Chelle handing Sevilla striker Akor Adams his first-ever call-up.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the team, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun make their return after spells away from the squad.
Stanley Nwabali retains his spot as first-choice goalkeeper, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye providing backup. 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 will offer both stability and creativity.
Nigeria’s attack is spearheaded by Victor Osimhen and bolstered by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, the returning Olusegun and debutant Adams.
The squad announcement comes at a critical stage of Group C in the African qualifiers. Nigeria’s campaign had been in danger after five draws in eight games, but FIFA’s recent ruling against South Africa has reshaped the group’s outlook.
The disciplinary verdict voided South Africa’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 win to the Crocodiles and stripping Bafana Bafana of three points.
As it stands, Benin and South Africa top the group with 14 points apiece, Nigeria and Rwanda follow on 11, Lesotho now have nine, while Zimbabwe are bottom with four and out of contention.
The Super Eagles’ hopes now rest on their October fixtures. Victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would put them level with the leaders before hosting Benin in Uyo four days later.
Two wins could lift Nigeria to 17 points, which may be enough for automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results. Failing that, Chelle’s men could still progress as one of Africa’s four best runners-up, though goal difference with Nigeria currently at plus two may become decisive against rivals Benin and South Africa.