Super Eagles players
Victor Osimhen will lead Super Eagles attack in the final two matches of Nigeria 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later in October.
The Galatasaray of Turkey on-form striker who missed Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa due to injury, is one of 23 players invited by Eric Chelle, Super Eagles head coach, as the country seeks to upstage the Benin Republic and South Africa for the automatic ticket in Group C.
Osimhen will be joined by familiar invitees that includes William Ekong and Wilfred Ndidi, the team captain and vice-captain respectively.
Other notable callups include Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon, and Benjamin Fredricks, the fast-rising central defender.
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Semi Ajayi returns to the team after missing two matches due to injury, while there is also a return for France-based Terem Moffi.
Chelle also extended surprise invitations to Akor Adams, Sevilla youngster, and Russia-based Olakunle Olusegun.
Super Eagles will face Lesotho in South Africa before a crunch finale with neighbours Benin in Uyo on October 14.
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Nigeria are currently in third place with 11 points from eight matches, three points behind leaders Benin, and second-placed South Africa who recently suffered a three-point deduction for fielding an illegible [layer.
The players are expected to converge at the team’s camp to be opened in South Africa on October 6.
The permutations of points and scenarios that Eagles need to qualify for the World Cup is analysed here.
23 SUPER EAGLES TO BATTLE LESOTHO AND BENIN REPUBLIC
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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: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); 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)
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