Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic this month.

Captain William Ekong headlines the list alongside goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, as well as prolific striker Victor Osimhen and winger Moses Simon.

Also making the cut is defender Semi Ajayi, who returns after missing the September window through injury. France-based Terem Moffi and Russia-based Olakunle Olusegun, a former Golden Eaglets forward, are also back in the fold.

Nigeria currently sits third in Group C, three points behind leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa. The Super Eagles will first face the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, 10th October. They will then fly back to Uyo to host Benin Republic in a decisive encounter on Tuesday, 14th October.

Players are expected to arrive in Polokwane from their various clubs in Europe and beyond on Monday, 6th October, ahead of the Lesotho clash.

Full Squad List:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey).

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).