Chelle unveils Super Eagles’ squad for crucial qualifiers against Lesotho, Benin
Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has named team captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon in his 23-man squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Defender Semi Ajayi, who missed the September window due to injury, makes a return to the squad, alongside France-based Terem Moffi and former junior international Olakunle Olusegun, who plays in Russia.
Nigeria, currently third in their group and three points behind leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, will face the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, 10th October, in a Matchday 3 encounter. The Super Eagles will then return to Uyo to host Benin Republic in a decisive Matchday 4 clash on Tuesday, 14th October.
The players are expected to arrive in South Africa from their various bases in Europe and elsewhere, and converge in Polokwane on Monday, 6th October.
Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania); Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece).
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Tanimu (Dender FC, Belgium).
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp, Belgium); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England).
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy); Moses Simon (Nantes, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Akor Adams (Montpellier, France); Olakunle Olusegun (FC Krasnodar, Russia).
