Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made changes to his squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho, with Semi Ajayi recalled, Terem Moffi returning, and Akor Adams set for a potential debut.
Stanley Nwabali is expected to retain his role as first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye.
Ajayi comes back into the defence after injury kept him out of the last international window.
He joins captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu in the backline.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka are joined by Alhassan Yusuf, who returns to the fold.
Nigeria’s attack combines experience with new options. Victor Osimhen leads the line alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.
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Cyriel Dessers keeps his place despite criticism from the last outing, while Nice striker Moffi is recalled. Sevilla forward Akor Adams is in line for his first senior cap, with Ola Olusegun also included.
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The Super Eagles sit third in Group C on 11 points, three behind leaders Benin and South Africa, who both have 14 points.
The Current Group C table. Photo Credit: Transfermaket
Only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the best-ranked runners-up across the African qualifiers will head into the inter-confederation play-offs.
Full 23-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders: Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-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, Ola Olusegun
