New faces and returning veterans answer the call as Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hang by a thread.
In a bid to revive their faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming decisive qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic. The announcement comes at a critical juncture for the team, whose qualification hopes received an unexpected lifeline from a recent FIFA ruling.
The squad features a mix of experience and fresh talent, headlined by the first-ever call-up for in-form Montpellier striker Akor Adams. He is joined by the returning quartet of Terem Moffi, Semi Ajayi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun, bolstering the team’s options across the pitch.
Nigeria’s campaign, which has struggled for momentum, was handed a reprieve when FIFA deducted three points and three goals from group rivals South Africa. This decision pushes the Super Eagles to third place in Group C with 11 points, now sitting just three points behind co-leaders Benin Republic and South Africa. The margin for error, however, remains razor-thin.
In a show of faith, captain William Troost-Ekong retains his place in the squad despite the disappointment of scoring an own goal in the team’s last outing, a 1-1 draw with South Africa. His leadership is deemed vital for the high-pressure matches ahead.
The invited 23-man squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye, Ojo Olorunleke
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (C), Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Tanimu
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Olakunle Olusegun
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze
The Super Eagles will face Lesotho on March 21st and then take on Benin Republic on March 25th in must-win encounters to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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