Chelle Unveils 23-Man Super Eagles Squad For World Cup Qualifiers Against Lesotho, Benin

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle on Friday unveiled a 23-man squad for the October World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

The Malian coach handed a maiden call-up to Sevilla striker Akor Adams, with captain William Troost-Ekong topping the list. Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun also make their return to the squad after periods away from the national team.

Stanley Nwabali retains his place as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye providing cover. In defense, the squad features Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.

The midfield setup features Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf, combining creativity, solidity, and balance for the team.

Leading the line for Nigeria is Victor Osimhen, joined in attack by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, returning forward Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Akor Adams.

The squad announcement comes at a pivotal moment in Group C of the African qualifiers. After recording only five draws in eight games, Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions had appeared to be slipping away, but FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa has now tilted the balance in their favour.

FIFA’s disciplinary decision overturned South Africa’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March, awarding the Crocodiles a 3–0 win instead and stripping Bafana Bafana of three crucial points.

The updated standings now see Benin and South Africa tied at the top with 14 points, followed closely by Nigeria and Rwanda on 11. Lesotho climb to nine points, while Zimbabwe stay rooted at the bottom with four and are already out of contention.

The sanction has breathed new life into the Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign, as a victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would draw them level with the group leaders, ahead of their decisive clash against Benin in Uyo four days later.

Consecutive victories would lift Nigeria to 17 points, a total that could be enough to seal automatic qualification, depending on how South Africa fare in their fixtures in Durban and Mbombela.

If qualification slips through directly, Chelle’s men could still reach the tournament by finishing among Africa’s four best runners-up, where goal difference may ultimately decide their standing.