Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle on Friday unveiled a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s October World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
The Malian coach handed a first call-up to Sevilla striker Akor Adams, while team captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the list. Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun also return after time away from the national team.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his spot as Nigeria’s No.1, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye named as backups. The 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 are expected to provide a balance of creativity, strength, and experience.
Up front, the attack will be led by Victor Osimhen, supported by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Akor Adams.
The announcement comes at a decisive point in Group C of the African qualifiers. After five draws in eight games, Nigeria’s qualification hopes had dimmed, but FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa has altered the standings in their favor.
FIFA nullified South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 victory to Lesotho and docking Bafana Bafana three crucial points. This ruling leaves Benin and South Africa tied on 14 points, while Nigeria and Rwanda follow with 11 each. Lesotho climb to nine points, with Zimbabwe bottom on four and already eliminated.
The sanction breathes new life into Nigeria’s campaign. A win over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would see the Super Eagles draw level with the group leaders, before facing Benin in Uyo four days later.
Two straight victories would move Nigeria to 17 points, potentially enough for automatic qualification, depending on South Africa’s results. If not, Chelle’s men could still progress as one of Africa’s four best runners-up, with goal difference likely to play a decisive role.