‘Will Chelle play 5 strikers? – Super Eagles fans react to topheavy 2026 WCQ squad

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man squad for October’s decisive World Cup qualifiers, but the announcement has been overshadowed by a wave of scepticism from fans across the country.

Chelle’s list, released on Friday morning, includes Victor Osimhen despite lingering concerns about his fitness. The 26-year-old admitted midweek after Galatasaray’s narrow win over Liverpool that he was not yet fully match-ready, yet the coach opted to call up his star striker.

Also recalled are Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun, as Chelle bolsters his options ahead of the Super Eagles' must-win matches against Lesotho and Benin.

Super Eagles supporters question Chelle’s selections

The squad reveal was met almost immediately with heated debate online. Much of the frustration centred on Nigeria’s midfield, widely seen as the team’s weakest link. “The selection of this midfield is questionable,” one supporter wrote. “Without creativity from the middle, we will keep struggling no matter who plays upfront.”

Others pointed to Chelle’s heavy reliance on strikers. “You can’t tell me all these forwards will even touch the ball,” another quipped. “Moffi, Adams, Tolu, Dessers, Osimhen. Does he want to line up with five centre-forwards?”

Leadership also came under scrutiny. Fans questioned whether William Troost-Ekong should still wear the armband, with some arguing it is time to hand the Super Eagles captaincy to Osimhen.

The clamour for new midfield talent was loudest of all. Names such as Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ovie Ejaria, Tim Iregbunam and Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri were floated as better long-term solutions. As one supporter summed up: “Midfield is the heartbeat of a team. Ours needs urgent surgery.”

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 11 points, trailing Benin and South Africa by three. Only the group winners advance directly to the 2026 finals in North America, while second place leads to a perilous playoff route in which just four of ten teams survive.