Photo File: Super Eagles Players

The Super Eagles have announced a 23-man squad for October’s make-or-break 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with head coach Eric Chelle handing Sevilla striker Akor Adams a maiden invitation to the senior national team.

Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the list released on Friday, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return to the fold after absences.

First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his spot, joined by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye in the goalkeeping department.

The defence line features Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey, providing options across both flanks and central defence.

In midfield, Chelle has called up Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf, who is back in the squad after a spell out, offering a blend of experience, creativity, and tenacity.

Up front, Victor Osimhen headlines a potent attack that also includes Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, returning winger Olakunle Olusegun, and new boy Akor Adams.

Revived Qualification Hopes

The squad announcement comes as Nigeria look to revive their qualification hopes in Group C of the African qualifiers.

The Super Eagles had drawn five of their first eight matches, leaving their chances of automatic qualification in doubt. However, a recent FIFA disciplinary ruling has reopened the race for the top spot.

FIFA overturned South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho in March, instead awarding a 3–0 win to Lesotho and docking Bafana Bafana three points for fielding an ineligible player.

The ruling has significantly reshaped the table, with Benin and South Africa now tied at the top with 14 points apiece. Nigeria and Rwanda sit just behind on 11 points each, while Lesotho climb to nine. Zimbabwe, with four points, are already eliminated.

The development breathes new life into Nigeria’s campaign. A win against Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would see the Super Eagles move level on points with the current leaders, setting up a crucial home clash against Benin in Uyo on October 14.

Goal Difference May Be Key

Should Nigeria win both matches, they would finish on 17 points — a total that could be enough to top the group depending on South Africa’s results in their final games in Durban and Mbombela.

If the Eagles fall short of first place, qualification could still come via one of the four best runners-up spots available across Africa. However, goal difference could prove decisive.

With a current goal difference of just +2, Nigeria trail both Benin and South Africa in that metric, making emphatic wins in their remaining fixtures vital.

The Super Eagles are aiming to return to the World Cup stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar, and Chelle’s men will be hoping to secure a ticket to the 2026 finals, set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.