Boluwatife Kehinde
The Nigeria national football Super Eagles team has officially revealed a 23-man squad for the important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for October.
The Super Eagles are set to compete against Lesotho and Benin in matches that hold significant implications for their pathway to the tournament.
Head coach Eric Chelle has made some noteworthy selections, including a maiden call-up for Sevilla striker Akor Adams, who has demonstrated exceptional promise in his club performances.
Central defender and captain William Troost-Ekong will lead the team, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to the squad. He is joined by returning players such as Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun, who have made their way back into the national team setup after varying periods of absence.
In goalkeeping, Stanley Nwabali remains the first-choice keeper for the Super Eagles, flanked by solid backups in Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye. The defense is reinforced by the inclusion of Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and the versatile Calvin Bassey, all of whom are anticipated to strengthen the backline during these crucial fixtures.
The midfield features a blend of experience and youthful energy, with prominent roles for Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and the returning Alhassan Yusuf. This combination not only offers creative options but also enhances the depth of the team’s overall strategy.
In the forward line, Nigeria presents a formidable attacking force led by the prolific Victor Osimhen. He is supported by a talented group including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze, along with returning striker Terem Moffi and Cyriel Dessers.
Additionally, Tolu Arokodare and debutant Akor Adams infuse fresh talent into the attack, enhancing the squad’s offensive capabilities.
This squad announcement comes at a crucial juncture in Group C of the African qualifiers. Nigeria’s quest for World Cup qualification had faced challenges, with five draws in their first eight matches diminishing their hopes.
A recent ruling by FIFA has revitalised their chances. The decision overturned a prior 2-0 victory awarded to South Africa against Lesotho in March, granting a 3-0 win to Lesotho and resulting in a deduction of three essential points from South Africa.
Consequently, both Benin and South Africa currently share the top position in the group with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda trail closely behind with 11 points.
Lesotho has made significant progress, reaching nine points, whereas Zimbabwe sits at the bottom of the table with just four points and has been eliminated from contention.
For the Super Eagles, the reversal of the result has reinvigorated their campaign. A victory against Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would level Nigeria with the group leaders. This outcome would pave the way for a critical home match against Benin in Uyo just four days later.
Achieving two consecutive victories could elevate Nigeria’s points total to 17, thereby strengthening their prospects for automatic qualification, depending on South Africa’s performance in their remaining matches in Durban and Mbombela.
However, should the team not meet this target, there remains the potential for qualification as one of the four best runners-up across Africa, with goal difference becoming a crucial factor.
Currently, Super Eagles’ goal difference stands at plus two, which places them at a disadvantage compared to Benin and South Africa, both of which possess more favorable goal differences.
Therefore, securing emphatic victories in the upcoming matches will be essential for the Super Eagles in their pursuit of a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
