Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has released a 23-man squad list for Nigeria’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Top striker Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and midfielder Alex Iwobi (Fulham) headline the list. Osimhen returns after missing Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa last month, having picked up an injury in the earlier 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo.
Nigeria, currently third in Group C with 11 points, remain in contention for qualification following FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a March 2025 fixture against Lesotho. The sanction revived the Super Eagles’ chances ahead of the final two group matches.
Also included in the squad are captain William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare, while Terem Moffi, Semi Ajayi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return to the fold. Akor Adams (Sevilla) earns his maiden invitation.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-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 (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)
