SUPER Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has released a 23-man squad to prosecute Nigeria’s crucial October FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the Malian tactician handed a first international call-up to Sevilla striker Akor Adams, while team captain William Troost-Ekong headlines a squad that blends experience with fresh firepower.
The squad sees the return of Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun, all of whom had been out of the team in recent months.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali retains his spot as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye providing cover.
The defensive line is anchored by Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Felix Agu, and youngster Benjamin Fredrick, alongside Troost-Ekong.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf will provide a mixture of control, creativity, and physical presence.
Nigeria’s attack will be led by Victor Osimhen, supported by a strong cast of Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Terem Moffi, Tolu Arokodare, the returning Olusegun, and debutant Adams.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes received a huge boost after FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their 2–0 win over Lesotho earlier this year. The disciplinary ruling overturned the result, handing Lesotho a 3–0 victory and docking Bafana Bafana three points.
The development has dramatically reshaped Group C, where South Africa and Benin now sit top with 14 points, followed closely by Nigeria and Rwanda on 11 points each. Lesotho trail with 9 points, while Zimbabwe remain bottom with 4 points and have been eliminated.
A win against Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would lift Nigeria level with the group leaders.
A follow-up victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on October 14 could push the Super Eagles to 17 points, a tally that may guarantee automatic qualification, depending on South Africa’s results.
Even if Nigeria fall short of topping the group, they could still advance as one of Africa’s four best runners-up, where goal difference is expected to be decisive.
Nigeria’s 23-Man Squad in Full:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredrick
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Akor Adams
Nigeria will be hoping to translate their revived World Cup dream into victories when they face Lesotho and Benin in what promises to be decisive back-to-back fixtures.