Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle on Friday released a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial October World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
The Malian tactician handed a maiden call-up to Sevilla striker Akor Adams, while captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the list. Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun also return after absences.
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his spot, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye. In defence, Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey were included.
The midfield unit features Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf, offering a balance of creativity and steel.
Up front, Victor Osimhen leads the line, supported by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Adams.
The fixtures come at a pivotal moment in Group C of the African qualifiers. Nigeria, with just five draws in eight games, looked to be falling behind until FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa altered the group standings. The ruling awarded Lesotho a 3–0 win over Bafana Bafana, docking South Africa three points.
As it stands, Benin and South Africa top the group on 14 points, with Nigeria and Rwanda on 11, Lesotho on nine, and Zimbabwe eliminated with four.
A win in Polokwane against Lesotho on October 10 would put the Super Eagles level with the leaders ahead of their clash with Benin in Uyo four days later. Back-to-back victories could take them to 17 points, a tally that may secure automatic qualification. If not, Chelle’s side could still qualify as one of Africa’s four best runners-up, with goal difference set to play a crucial role.
What you should know
Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad blends experience and new talent, with Akor Adams earning his first call-up.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes, once dim, have been revived by FIFA’s sanction against South Africa, making the October fixtures against Lesotho and Benin potentially decisive for their qualification.
