Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and the Republic of Benin.
In the list released Friday morning, captain William Troost-Ekong leads the team.
Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun also return to the squad after missing previous games.
One of the biggest highlights is Sevilla striker Akor Adams, who has earned his first-ever call-up to the senior national team.
His inclusion adds more firepower to Nigeria’s already strong attack.
Nigeria’s Qualification Battle
The Super Eagles are under pressure heading into these games.
Nigeria currently sits third in the qualification table with 11 points.
Benin Republic and South Africa are ahead with 14 points each.
To keep their World Cup hopes alive, Nigeria must defeat both Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Any slip could end their chances of making it to the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The Eagles will first face Lesotho away on October 10.
Four days later, they host Benin Republic in what could be the decisive match of the group.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye.
Defenders: Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, William Ekong, Semi Ajayi.
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf.
Forwards: Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun.
Nigeria’s qualification path has been shaky. The team dropped valuable points earlier in the campaign, leaving fans frustrated. Now, Chelle’s men need two straight wins to secure a spot.
Football analysts believe the return of key players and the addition of Akor Adams could boost the squad.
The striking options of Osimhen, Moffi, and Adams give Nigeria one of the most dangerous attacks in Africa.
For many fans, these two matches are more than qualifiers. They are a test of Nigeria’s football pride and a chance to reclaim dominance in African football.
