Nigeria Name Squad for Decisive World Cup Qualifiers

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Nigeria coach Eric Chelle named a 23-man squad on Friday for October’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

Sevilla striker Akor Adams received his first senior call-up.

Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the squad while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return after spells away from the national team.

Stanley Nwabali keeps his spot as first-choice goalkeeper, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye providing support.

Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey strengthen the defence.

Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf add experience and energy in midfield.

A disciplinary decision changed the qualification picture. FIFA overturned South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 victory to Lesotho and removing three points from Bafana Bafana.

The updated standings now place Benin and South Africa level at the top with 14 points each.

Nigeria and Rwanda follow on 11, while Lesotho have nine. Zimbabwe remain bottom with four points and are already eliminated.

The sanction revived Nigeria’s qualification hopes. A win against Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would bring them level on points with the leaders.

They then host Benin in Uyo on October 14.

Two victories could see Nigeria finish on 17 points, possibly enough to secure automatic qualification, depending on South Africa’s results in Durban and Mbombela.

If they fail to top the group, Chelle’s men could still advance as one of Africa’s four best runners-up.

Goal difference will be decisive, with Nigeria’s current +2 inferior to Benin and South Africa.

Convincing wins will be vital for a place at the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.