Super Eagles: Chelle neglects midfield, takes aim at goal difference with ultra-attacking WCQ squad for Lesotho, Benin

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man squad for the decisive October fixtures that will determine whether Nigeria reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Among those called up is Victor Osimhen, despite lingering doubts over his fitness. The 26-year-old admitted he was not yet fully fit following Galatasaray’s narrow 1–0 victory over Liverpool on Tuesday, but Chelle has opted to include his talismanic forward.

The squad also features the return of Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun, bolstering the Super Eagles' options in key positions as they prepare for a critical fortnight of football.

Will star-studded Super Eagles do their part?

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 11 points, three behind leaders Benin and South Africa. Only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the finals in North America, while runners-up must negotiate a perilous playoff in which just four of the ten teams will progress.

The complexion of the group shifted earlier this week when FIFA ruled against South Africa for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena. The sanction handed Lesotho a 3–0 victory and cost Bafana Bafana vital points, breathing new life into Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

Yet the margin for error remains slim. The Super Eagles must beat Lesotho away on 10 October and then overcome Benin in Uyo four days later. That would take them to 17 points, but their fate still depends on rivals slipping up. Anything less than maximum points will end their campaign.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye.

Defenders: Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, William Ekong, Semi Ajayi.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf.

Forwards: Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun