Chelle unveils 23-man squad for Lesotho, Benin World Cup qualifier matches

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi making a return.

Osimhen, now with Galatasaray, missed last month’s 1-1 draw with South Africa due to injury. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 11 points, three behind leaders Benin Republic and South Africa, but their hopes were boosted after FIFA deducted points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.

Captain William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare are also included, while Akor Adams of Sevilla earns his first call-up. Terem Moffi, Semi Ajayi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return to the fold.

Full List:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adeleye Adebayo.

Defenders: Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks.

Midfielders: Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi.
Forwards: Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Moses Simon, Dessers, Arokodare, Moffi, Akor Adams, Olusegun.