Eric Chelle, the head coach of the Super Eagles, has announced a 23-player roster for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho’s Crocodiles and the Benin Republic’s Squirrels.
The lineup features key figures such as captain William Troost-Ekong, Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, and Moses Simon.
Notably, defender Semi Ajayi returns to the squad after missing the September matches due to injury. Additionally, Terem Moffi, who plays in France, and Olakunle Olusegun, based in Russia, have been recalled to the team.
Jerome Akor Adams has also received his inaugural call-up to the senior national team, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The team is scheduled to convene in Polokwane on Monday, October 6, to commence preparations ahead of their encounter with Lesotho.
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Nigeria will take on Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, October 10. Subsequently, they will travel back to Uyo to face the group leaders, Benin Republic, in their decisive qualifier on Tuesday, October 14.
Nigeria’s 23-Man Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, 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 (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)