Ekong, Iwobi, Osimhen, 20 Others Selected For Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A 23-man squad has been announced by Eric Chelle, Super Eagles’ head coach, for Nigeria’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic later this month.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong, influential midfielder Alex Iwobi, star striker Victor Osimhen, and in-form goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali headline the list, which also includes stalwarts Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Moses Simon.

Defender Semi Ajayi, who missed September’s qualifiers through injury, makes a welcome return. Also recalled are Terem Moffi, based in France, and Russian-based winger Olakunle Olusegun.

Currently third in Group C, three points adrift of leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, the Super Eagles face a must-win clash against the Likuena (Crocodiles) of Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, 10 October.

The team will then travel to Uyo, Akwa Ibom, for a high-stakes final group match against Benin Republic on Tuesday, 14 October, where victory could prove decisive in Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

All invited players are expected to report to camp in Polokwane by Monday, 6 October, flying in from their respective clubs across Europe and beyond.

FULL SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, 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 FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers FC, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)

Nigeria’s qualification campaign remains finely poised, with Chelle’s men determined to secure maximum points from the final two fixtures and book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.