Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with star forward Victor Osimhen and midfielder Alex Iwobi making the list.
Osimhen, who now plays for Galatasaray, returns after missing last month’s 1-1 draw with South Africa due to an injury he picked up in the 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo. Fulham’s Iwobi is also back to strengthen the midfield as Nigeria pushes to secure a ticket to the World Cup.
With two matches left to play, the Super Eagles sit third in Group C on 11 points, three behind leaders South Africa and Benin Republic. Nigeria’s qualification hopes, however, received a boost after FIFA docked South Africa three points for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in their March 21, 2025, clash with Lesotho — a game Bafana Bafana had initially won 2-0.
Also included in Chelle’s squad are captain William Troost-Ekong, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare. There are returns for Terem Moffi, Semi Ajayi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun, while Sevilla striker Akor Adams has earned his first senior call-up.
Full 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, 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, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)
