Nigeria has named its 23-man squad for the upcoming October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin. Head coach Eric Chelle has given Sevilla striker Akor Adams his first call-up to the national team.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the squad, with Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun returning after absences from the team.
Stanley Nwabali remains the first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye. Defenders Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey have also been included.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf bring a mix of experience and energy.
The forward line features Victor Osimhen alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Akor Adams.
This squad announcement comes at a crucial stage in Group C of the African qualifiers. Nigeria’s chances of qualifying had looked uncertain after five draws in eight games, but a recent FIFA ruling against South Africa has shifted the standings.
FIFA overturned South Africa’s 2–0 win against Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 victory to Lesotho and deducting three points from South Africa. This leaves Benin and South Africa tied at the top of the group with 14 points each, Nigeria and Rwanda trailing with 11 points each, Lesotho with nine, and Zimbabwe eliminated with four points.
The ruling has revitalized Nigeria’s campaign. A win against Lesotho on October 10 would put them level with the group leaders ahead of their final qualifier against Benin in Uyo four days later.
If Nigeria wins both matches, they could reach 17 points, which might secure automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results. Otherwise, they could still qualify as one of the best runners-up, where goal difference will be a crucial factor.
Currently, Nigeria’s goal difference of plus two is behind that of Benin and South Africa, so convincing wins will be essential to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
