Nigeria has named a 23-man squad for this month’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin, with head coach Eric Chelle handing Sevilla striker Akor Adams a first-ever call-up.
Skipper William Troost-Ekong headlines the roster, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun return after missing recent international duty.
Stanley Nwabali keeps his place between the sticks, backed by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye. Defensive options include Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf offer a balance of creativity and grit.
Up front, the team’s attacking firepower is led by Victor Osimhen, alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Adams.
The announcement comes at a critical time in Group C of the African qualifiers.
Nigeria’s campaign had been under threat after five draws in eight games, but FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa has reshaped the table.
The disciplinary ruling overturned Bafana Bafana’s 2–0 victory against Lesotho in March, awarding the Crocodiles a 3–0 win instead and stripping South Africa of three vital points.
The new standings leave Benin and South Africa tied at the summit with 14 points each, Nigeria and Rwanda close behind on 11, and Lesotho boosted to nine. Zimbabwe, with four points, are already out of contention.
READ ALSO: Iwobi Steals Show as Super Eagles Stars Shine, Struggle Across Europe
For the Super Eagles, the path is clear: victory against Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would lift them level with the group leaders, before a crucial home showdown with Benin in Uyo four days later.
Two wins could see Chelle’s men reach 17 points—potentially enough for automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results in Durban and Mbombela.
Failing that, Nigeria could still qualify as one of Africa’s four best runners-up, though goal difference—currently at +2—may become decisive.
With the margins this tight, emphatic performances in both fixtures may prove just as important as the results themselves if Nigeria is to book a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.