Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has announced a 23-man squad for the October World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the list. Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return to the team. Sevilla striker Akor Adams earns his first call-up.
Stanley Nwabali remains first-choice goalkeeper, with Adebayo Adeleye and Amas Obasogie as backups. The defense includes Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.
Midfield strength comes from Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf, who combine experience with dynamism.
Victor Osimhen spearheads the attack, supported by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Adams.
The Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers squad arrives at a decisive moment in Group C. Nigeria had managed only five draws in eight matches, but a FIFA ruling changed their fortunes.
FIFA annulled South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, awarding a 3-0 victory to the Crocodiles. The decision deducted three points from Bafana Bafana.
The new standings place South Africa and Benin on 14 points each. Nigeria and Rwanda follow with 11, while Lesotho has nine. Zimbabwe sits last with four points and is already eliminated.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are revived. A win against Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would put them level with the leaders before their clash with Benin in Uyo four days later.
Back-to-back victories would give the Super Eagles 17 points, a total that could secure automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results. Even if that fails, Chelle’s men could still qualify as one of Africa’s four best runners-up, where goal difference may decide the outcome.
