Chelle names 23-man Super Eagles squad for World Cup Qualifiers

The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, on Friday unveiled a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s October FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

The Malian tactician handed a maiden call-up to Sevilla forward Akor Adams, while team captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the list. Also returning to the squad are Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun after spells away from the national team.

Stanley Nwabali retains his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye providing backup options. In defence, Chelle has called up Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.

The midfield will be anchored by Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf, bringing both experience and creativity.

Leading the frontline is Victor Osimhen, supported by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, the recalled Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Adams.

The announcement comes at a decisive point in Group C of the African qualifiers. Nigeria, who struggled earlier with five draws in eight games, have seen their World Cup hopes boosted by FIFA’s recent disciplinary ruling against South Africa.

FIFA overturned Bafana Bafana’s 2–0 victory over Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 result to the Crocodiles and deducting three points from South Africa. The sanction reshuffled the group standings, leaving Benin and South Africa tied on 14 points, Nigeria and Rwanda close behind with 11, Lesotho on nine, and Zimbabwe bottom with four points and already eliminated.

Nigeria’s qualifying path is now clearer. A win against Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would put the Super Eagles level with the group leaders, setting up a crucial home clash against Benin in Uyo on October 14.

Back-to-back victories could lift Nigeria to 17 points, potentially enough to seal automatic qualification, depending on South Africa’s remaining fixtures in Durban and Mbombela.