Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with captain William Troost-Ekong, midfield maestro Alex Iwobi and prolific striker Victor Osimhen all making the list.
The Super Eagles squad also includes goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, as well as midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and winger Simon Moses.
Nottingham Forest defender Semi Ajayi returns to the fold after missing the September fixtures through injury, while France-based forward Terem Moffi and Russia-based youngster Olakunle Olusegun are also recalled.
Nigeria currently sits in third place in Group C, three points adrift of leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa. The Super Eagles will first take on the Likuena (Crocodiles) of Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, October 10. Four days later, on Tuesday, October 14, the team will host table-toppers Benin Republic in Uyo in what promises to be a fiery clash.
The players are expected to arrive in Polokwane from their respective bases in Europe and beyond on Monday, October 6, ahead of the first showdown.
Full Super Eagles squad for Lesotho and Benin matches:
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, England); Semi 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, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).