Names Key Players for Matches Against South Africa and Benin Republic
Nigeria’s Head Coach, Finidi George, has announced a strong squad of 23 players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.
The squad includes standout players such as Ademola Lookman, African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, and reliable goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. George has also selected Maduka Okoye, along with England-based defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi. The midfield will be bolstered by Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Alhassan Yusuf. Forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Terem Moffi are also part of the team.
Newcomer Sadiq Ismael from Remo Stars is called up for the first time, alongside Turkey-based midfielder Fisayo Bashiru, Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella, and tall forward Paul Onuachu.
Nigeria will face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7, at 8 PM. Following this, they will travel to Abidjan to play against Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday, June 10, at 4 PM local time (5 PM Nigeria time).
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
- Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
- Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Defenders:
- Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)
- Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC)
- Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
- Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
- Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
- Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium)
- Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
- Fisayo Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)
Forwards:
- Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy)
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
- Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
- Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
- Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
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