World Cup qualifiers: Chelle names 23-man squad

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has released a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi included on the list

Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, returns after missing the 1-1 draw against South Africa due to an injury he sustained in the earlier 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo. Fulham midfielder Iwobi also makes the cut as the Super Eagles prepare for two must-win fixtures.

With two games remaining, Nigeria sits third in Group C with 11 points, trailing South Africa and Benin Republic by three points each. The team’s qualification hopes were boosted after FIFA deducted three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a March 2025 clash with Lesotho, a game Bafana Bafana initially won 2-0.

Also called up are captain William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare, while Terem Moffi, Semi Ajayi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return to the team. Sevilla forward Akor Adams has received his first senior call-up.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, 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 (Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)