SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced two late changes to Nigeria’s 23-man squad ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounters against Lesotho and Benin Republic, as FIFA confirms match officials for both fixtures.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the adjustments became necessary following the withdrawal of Cyriel Dessers and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who were ruled out due to injuries.
In their place, Zaidu Sanusi and forward Uche Christantus have been called up to bolster the squad as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the all-important double-header.
Chelle’s team will travel to face Lesotho on October 10 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, before returning home to take on Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on October 14.
The Super Eagles will be under immense pressure to secure maximum points from both games as they continue their fight to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In a related development, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has appointed Chadian referee Alhadi Mahamat Allaou to officiate Nigeria’s clash against Lesotho.
Allaou, who previously handled the Super Eagles’ 1–0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo last month, will be assisted by Bogola Issa (First Assistant), Moussa Hafiz (Second Assistant), and Abdelkerim Ousmane (Fourth Official).
Kenya’s Alice Kimani will serve as Referee Assessor, while William Shongwe from eSwatini will act as Match Commissioner.
For Nigeria’s home fixture against Benin, FIFA has confirmed Egyptian referee Omar Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed as the match official. He will be assisted by compatriots Mahmoud Aboulergal and Ali Teleb.
Nigeria’s qualification prospects received a major lift after FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2–0 win over Lesotho in March. The disciplinary decision overturned the result in favour of Lesotho, awarding them a 3–0 victory.
The new standings place Benin Republic and South Africa joint-top on 14 points, while Nigeria and Rwanda trail closely with 11 points apiece after eight matches.
Victory over Lesotho would move Nigeria level with the leaders, setting up a decisive home tie against Benin. Two consecutive wins could take the Super Eagles to 17 points, potentially enough to secure automatic qualification, depending on other outcomes.
Coach Chelle’s final list blends experience, youth, and attacking firepower.
Captain William Troost-Ekong will lead the squad, supported in defence by Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Fredrick, Bruno Onyemaechi, Felix Agu, and Zaidu Sanusi.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali remains first choice, backed by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye.
The midfield features the creative spark of Alex Iwobi, the stability of Wilfred Ndidi, the dynamism of Frank Onyeka, and the energy of Alhassan Yusuf.
The attack is spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, with Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Arokodare, and Uche Christantus completing the line-up.
A team source revealed that morale in camp is high following FIFA’s decision, with players confident of turning around their qualification campaign.
“The mood is positive. The boys believe qualification is still in our hands. The coach has instilled discipline, belief, and tactical clarity,” the source told News Point Nigeria Sports.
For Chelle and the Super Eagles, the mission is clear: win both games or risk missing out on the 2026 World Cup.