Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier doubleheader against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes received a boost after FIFA deducted three points from South Africa for fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho. The sanction pushed Benin Republic to the top of the Group C table on goal difference, with South Africa in second, while Nigeria and Rwanda sit third and fourth with 11 points each.
All four nations remain in contention for a World Cup ticket, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe are mathematically out with just two games left.
Osimhen Leads the Attack Despite Injury Concerns
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been declared fit and will spearhead Nigeria’s frontline in the must-win fixtures. Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman also made the cut, alongside Sevilla striker Akor Adams, who earned his debut call-up after scoring his first La Liga goal.
The squad also welcomes back Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Match Schedule and Logistics
According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), players will travel directly from their respective clubs to South Africa, where they will face Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in the South African Premier Soccer League, will join the team from his base.
After the clash with Lesotho, the squad will return to Nigeria for their final group game against West African rivals Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The encounter will be particularly intense as Benin is coached by former Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr.
Tight Group Battle
With Group C unlikely to produce a playoff spot due to stronger second-placed teams in other groups, Nigeria must win both remaining matches and hope South Africa slips up against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
South Africa is chasing its first World Cup appearance since hosting in 2010, Benin Republic is eyeing a historic first-ever qualification, while Nigeria is desperate to avoid missing back-to-back tournaments after failing to reach Qatar 2022.
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The spotlight will be on Victor Osimhen, who recently returned from an ankle injury and is expected to carry Nigeria’s hopes. Fans also see the Benin Republic showdown as a “grudge match” against former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr.
