Super Eagles Announce Squad For World Cup Qualifiers Against Lesotho, Benin Republic

In a pivotal move for Nigeria’s campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Eric Chelle has unveiled a robust roster of 23 players ahead of crucial fixtures against Lesotho and the Benin Republic this month.

The matches are crucial for Nigeria’s aspirations to secure a place in the World Cup, with the team currently sitting in third place in their qualifying group, just three points behind first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa.

Chelle’s selection prominently features team captain William Ekong, dynamic goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and key defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey.

Midfield stalwarts Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi are also included, alongside an attacking lineup led by the prolific Victor Osimhen and creative forward Simon Moses.

Notably, defender Semi Ajayi returns to the squad after recovering from injury, having missed the previous matches in September.

He will be joined by France-based striker Terem Moffi and promising young forward Olakunle Olusegun, who showcases his talent at a club in Russia.

The Super Eagles will first face the Likuena (Crocodiles) of Lesotho on Friday, October 10, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, as part of Matchday 9 of the qualifiers.

Following this clash, the team will travel to Uyo to take on leaders Benin Republic in a must-win encounter slated for Tuesday, October 14.

Players are expected to arrive in South Africa from their respective clubs across Europe and beyond, converging in Polokwane on Monday, October 6, to begin preparations for the critical qualifiers.

The full squad selected by Coach Chelle includes:

Goalkeepers:
– Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
– Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
– Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders:
– William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
– Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
– Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England)
– Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
– Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
– Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany)
– Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders:
– Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
– Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
– Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
– Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)

Forwards:
– Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
– Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
– Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
– Simon Moses (Paris FC, France)
– Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
– Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
– Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
– Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
– Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)

As the Super Eagles gear up for these high-stakes matches, fans are encouraged to rally behind the team in their quest for World Cup qualification.