Nigeria have announced their 23-man squad for October’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with head coach Eric Chelle handing Sevilla striker Akor Adams a maiden call-up.
Key Squad Highlights
Captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the selection, joined by returning players Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali keeps his place as first choice, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye. The defence features Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.
Midfield stability is provided by Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf.
The forward line is led by Victor Osimhen, alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, the returning Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Akor Adams.
Group C Qualification Picture
Nigeria’s qualification hopes have been revived by a recent FIFA sanction against South Africa. Bafana Bafana’s 2–0 win over Lesotho in March was overturned, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory and deducting three points from South Africa.
This ruling reshuffled the Group C standings:
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Benin and South Africa now lead with 14 points each.
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Nigeria and Rwanda follow with 11 points.
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Lesotho climb to 9 points.
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Zimbabwe remain bottom with 4 points and are eliminated.
Must-Win Matches Ahead
The Super Eagles will face Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10, before hosting Benin in Uyo on October 14.
Two victories would take Nigeria to 17 points, potentially enough to secure automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results against Durban and Mbombela.
If they fall short, Nigeria could still progress as one of the four best runners-up across Africa. However, their current goal difference of +2 leaves them at a disadvantage compared to Benin and South Africa, making emphatic wins essential.
What’s at Stake
A place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico remains within reach, but Nigeria’s margin for error is now slim. Head coach Chelle will be banking on experience, firepower from Osimhen, and the fresh energy of debutant Adams to reignite the campaign.
