Eric Chelle Names 23-Man Super Eagles Squad for Lesotho and Benin 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has officially unveiled a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

The announcement comes at a critical moment, with FIFA’s recent sanctions on South Africa dramatically reshaping the Group C qualification race.

With Nigeria back in the race, the next two matches will likely decide if the Super Eagles make it to the 2026 World Cup.

Full 23-Man Super Eagles 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 Abdullahi (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)

Notable Highlights from Eric Chelle Super Eagles Squad List

Several notable decisions stand out in Eric Chelle’s selection. Captain William Troost-Ekong once again leads the defense, despite his mixed performance in the previous outing against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali retains his spot as Nigeria’s first-choice shot-stopper following his impressive AFCON 2024 campaign.

Semi Ajayi returns to the squad after missing the last two fixtures through injury, strengthening Nigeria’s defensive options.

In attack, France-based Terem Moffi earns a recall, while Olakunle Olusegun also makes the list, underlining Chelle’s intent to refresh the squad with younger talents.

Akor Adams has been handed his maiden Super Eagles call-up. The Sevilla striker’s inclusion highlights Chelle’s readiness to experiment with new attacking options, especially with Nigeria’s frontline needing more consistency in the qualifiers.

FIFA Sanctions and Group C Standings

Nigeria’s qualification chances received a boost after FIFA sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
The ruling deducted three points from South Africa’s tally and awarded Lesotho a 3-0 victory.

This development reshaped Group C, putting Benin Republic at the top with 14 points, tied with South Africa but ahead on goal difference.

Nigeria now sits in third place with 11 points, just three points off the leaders, while Rwanda trails closely behind.

With Lesotho still in contention with 9 points, the group remains tightly contested heading into the final matchdays.

Match Details

• Lesotho vs Nigeria – Friday, October 10, Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
• Nigeria vs Benin Republic – Tuesday, October 14, Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria

Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad announcement is a crucial step as Nigeria prepares for back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

With experienced players like Troost-Ekong, Ndidi, and Osimhen, combined with fresh faces like Akor Adams and Olakunle Olusegun, the Super Eagles are poised for a decisive run.

These matches will ultimately determine whether Nigeria books its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.