Super Eagles Gear Up for Lesotho and Benin Clash with Fresh Squad

 

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Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle on Friday unveiled a 23-man squad ahead of Nigeria’s crucial October World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic. 

The Malian tactician handed a first-ever call-up to Sevilla striker Akor Adams, while Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the team. Key players like Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return to the squad after spells away from the national side.

Stanley Nwabali remains the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye named as backups. The defensive line includes Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey.

 In midfield, experience and dynamism are provided by Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf. Up front, Nigeria will rely on Victor Osimhen, supported by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Adams.

The squad announcement comes at a critical stage in Group C of the African qualifiers. Nigeria managed just five draws in eight matches, leaving World Cup hopes looking bleak. 

However, a recent FIFA disciplinary ruling has revived the Super Eagles’ campaign. FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in a March match against Lesotho, nullifying their 2–0 win and awarding a 3–0 victory to Lesotho while docking Bafana Bafana three vital points.

 This ruling has reshuffled the group standings, leaving Benin and South Africa tied at 14 points, with Nigeria and Rwanda close behind on 11 points. Lesotho now sits on nine points, while Zimbabwe has been eliminated with four points.

Speaking on the significance of the upcoming matches, Chelle stressed: “A win over Lesotho on October 10 will put us level with the group leaders before facing Benin in Uyo four days later.

 Consecutive wins could secure automatic qualification, depending on South Africa’s results in Durban and Mbombela. If we fall short, we may still advance as one of Africa’s four best runners-up, where goal difference could prove decisive.”

The inclusion of fresh talent like Adams reflects Chelle’s strategy to blend youth with experience, giving the team depth and versatility. 

The coach also emphasized the importance of discipline and tactical awareness in these decisive matches. With the Super Eagles’ World Cup dreams hanging in the balance, the October fixtures present a pivotal opportunity to secure Nigeria’s spot in the 2026 tournament.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the squad performs, with the combination of seasoned internationals and emerging talents expected to deliver a dynamic and competitive team on the pitch. The nation awaits as the Super Eagles prepare to turn their qualification hopes into reality.

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