Super Eagles Name 23-Man Squad as FIFA Sanction Revives World Cup Hopes

Nigeria on Friday unveiled their 23-man squad for October’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, with head coach Eric Chelle handing Sevilla striker Akor Adams his first call-up.

Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the squad, alongside returning players Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun. Stanley Nwabali keeps his role as first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye. Defensive options include Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.

In midfield, Chelle will rely on Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf, while the attack features Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, Olusegun, and debutant Adams.

The squad announcement comes at a decisive moment in Group C of the African qualifiers. Nigeria’s campaign, previously hampered by five draws in eight games, has been revived by FIFA’s recent ruling against South Africa. The disciplinary decision overturned Bafana Bafana’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 win to the Crocodiles and stripping South Africa of three points.

The reshuffle leaves South Africa and Benin tied at the top with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda follow on 11. Lesotho sit on nine, with Zimbabwe already eliminated on four.

For the Super Eagles, victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would put them level with the leaders ahead of their home clash against Benin in Uyo four days later. Two wins could lift Nigeria to 17 points, potentially securing automatic qualification.

However, if results elsewhere complicate matters, Chelle’s side may have to rely on finishing as one of Africa’s best runners-up—where goal difference, currently at just +2, could prove decisive.