Ekong, Osimhen, Iwobi headline squad for crucial qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his 23-player squad for Nigeria’s important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic this month.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the squad, joined by first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, along with key striker Victor Osimhen. Winger Moses Simon is also included.
Semi Ajayi returns to the squad after missing the September games due to injury. Terem Moffi from France and Olakunle Olusegun from Russia are brought back, adding strength to Chelle’s attack.
Nigeria is currently third in Group C, just three points behind leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa. With only two matches remaining, the Super Eagles need to win both to enhance their chances of qualification.
The team will kick off their campaign against Lesotho on Friday, October 10, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. Four days later, they will face group leaders Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, October 14.
Players are expected to start arriving from their clubs across Europe and other regions on Monday, October 6, for the team’s training camp in Polokwane.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers – Nwabali, Obasogie, Adeleye.
Defenders – Ekong, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi, Agu, Fredericks.
Midfielders – Iwobi, Onyeka, Yusuf, Ndidi.
Forwards – Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Simon, Dessers, Arokodare, Moffi, Adams, Olusegun.