Nigeria have announced their 23-man squad for the decisive October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin on Friday.
Head coach Eric Chelle handed Sevilla striker Akor Adams his first-ever call-up to the national side.
The squad is headlined by Captain William Troost-Ekong, with several key players returning, including Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Squad Details
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali retains his position as first-choice, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye.
- Defence: The defensive line includes Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.
- Midfield: The midfield provides a mix of experience and energy with Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf.
- Forward Line: The attack is led by Victor Osimhen and features Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Akor Adams.
The announcement comes at a critical time in Group C of the African qualifiers, where Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup had been fading after five draws in eight matches.
The picture was dramatically altered by a recent FIFA disciplinary ruling that 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.
This decision leaves Benin and South Africa tied at the top with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda sit just behind with 11 points. Lesotho has been lifted to nine points, and Zimbabwe remains bottom on four and is eliminated.
The FIFA sanction has breathed new life into the Super Eagles’ campaign. A win over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would draw Nigeria level on points with the group leaders before their final home match against Benin in Uyo four days later.
The team knows that securing two victories could see them finish on 17 points, which may be enough to secure automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results.
Should the team fall short of first place, Chelle’s side may still progress as one of the four best runners-up across Africa, but this scenario would prioritize goal difference.
Nigeria’s current goal difference of plus two leaves them at a disadvantage compared to Benin and South Africa, making “emphatic victories” crucial if they are to secure a spot at the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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