Nigeria, who were recently handed a lifeline following a FIFA ruling on a Group C rival, face an absolute must-win scenario in these upcoming fixtures.
Star-Studded Attack and Key Returns
The most talked-about aspect of the squad is the massive firepower assembled in the attacking department. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC), who is expected to be fully fit, headlines a fearsome forward line. He is joined by the creative duo of Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC) and Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), offering speed and technical skill on the flanks.
There are significant returns to the squad:
• Terem Moffi (OGC Nice) is recalled, adding depth and physicality upfront.
• Defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City) returns, strengthening the backline alongside captain William Ekong (Al-Kholood) and Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC).
• Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution) is back in the fold to reinforce the engine room.
Maiden Call-Up and Midfield Debate
The forward line features a significant new face, with Akor Adams (Sevilla FC) earning a maiden call-up to the senior national team, a recognition of his recent form in Spain.
However, the squad composition has generated some debate, particularly in midfield. Coach Chelle opted for only four central midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC). This light contingent raises questions about midfield depth and creativity, an area critics have highlighted as a weakness for the Super Eagles.
The goalkeeping department remains consistent, led by the reliable Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), with Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars) and Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC) providing support.
The Road Ahead
Nigeria, who currently sit third in their group, must secure maximum points in the two back-to-back matches to close the gap on the group leaders.
• The Super Eagles will first travel to battle Lesotho on October 10th.
• They will then host their fierce West African neighbours, the Benin Republic, on October 14th.
Success in these crucial qualifiers is paramount if Nigeria is to keep its dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico alive.
The Full 23-Man Super Eagles Squad:
| Position | Player | Club |
| 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 FC (England) | |
| Oluwasemilogo 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 FC (England) |
| Frank Onyeka | Brentford FC (England) | |
| Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi | New England Revolution (USA) | |
| Wilfred Ndidi | Besiktas FC (Turkey) | |
| Forwards | Victor Osimhen | Galatasaray FC (Turkey) |
| Ademola Lookman | Atalanta BC (Italy) | |
| Samuel Chukwueze | AC Milan (Italy) | |
| Simon Moses | Paris FC (France) | |
| Cyriel Dessers | Glasgow Rangers (Scotland) | |
| Tolu Arokodare | KRC Genk (Belgium) | |
| Terem Moffi | OGC Nice (France) | |
| Akor Adams | Sevilla FC (Spain) | |
| Olakunle Olusegun | Pari Nizhny Novgorod (Russia) |