Nigeria unveiled a 23-man squad for their decisive World Cup qualifiers as FIFA’s sanction on South Africa revived the Super Eagles’ hopes of securing automatic qualification.
The Super Eagles on Friday unveiled a 23-man squad for October’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, with Sevilla striker Akor Adams earning a maiden call-up. Head coach Eric Chelle also recalled Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the squad, with Stanley Nwabali retaining his role as first-choice goalkeeper. The midfield features Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Yusuf, while Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and debutant Adams headline the attack.
Nigeria’s campaign has been given fresh momentum after FIFA overturned South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 victory to the Crocodiles and docking Bafana Bafana three points.
The ruling leaves Benin and South Africa on 14 points, Nigeria and Rwanda on 11, and Lesotho on nine. Two wins in their final fixtures could secure Nigeria automatic qualification, though goal difference may yet prove decisive.