With two Crucial matches left in the African qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Eric Chelle is not leaving anything to chance.
Thus, to prosecute the remaining two matches of Group C in Polokwane and Uyo between the Nigerian team and Lesotho and Benin Republic respectively, Chelle has unveiled a squad that has as many as four players returning to the squad after a long spell away, and a debut call-up for Akor Adams of Sevilla, Spain.
The full squad include captain William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun. The defence call up includes Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Fredrick and Bright Osayi.
The invited goalkeepers are Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, and Adebayo Adeleye.
The midfield has Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf, while the attacking squad comprises Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, the returning Olakunle Olusegun and debutant Adams as the invited players.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup appeared to be slipping away after five draws in eight matches, but FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa dramatically changed the table, with Nigeria as a great beneficiary.
The disciplinary ruling overturned South Africa’s 2–0 win against Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 victory to the Crocodiles and stripping Bafana Bafana of three crucial points.
The decision means Benin and South Africa are now tied at the top with 14 points each, Nigeria and Rwanda sit just behind on 11, while Lesotho have been lifted to nine. Zimbabwe remain bottom on four and is already eliminated.
For the Super Eagles, the sanction has breathed new life into their campaign. A win over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would take them level on points with the leaders before their final home match against Benin in Uyo four days later.
Two victories could see Nigeria finish on 17 points, which may be enough to secure automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results in Durban and Mbombela.
Should they fall short, Chelle’s side may still progress as one of the four best runners-up across Africa, but goal difference will then come into play.
Nigeria’s current tally of plus two leaves them at a disadvantage compared to Benin and South Africa, making emphatic victories all the more crucial if they are to secure a spot at the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
