2026 FIFA WCQ: Dessers, Osayi-Samuel withdraw; Sanusi, Uche earn late call-ups

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has made two late changes to Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, following injury withdrawals.

Striker Cyriel Dessers and right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel have both been ruled out due to fitness concerns.

In response, Chelle has drafted in FC Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi and Crystal Palace forward Christantus Uche to maintain squad depth and positional balance.

Nigeria, currently third in their qualifying group, trail leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa by three points.

The Super Eagles face a critical away fixture against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, 10 October, for Matchday 9.

The group stage campaign will conclude with a potentially decisive home clash against table-toppers Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, 14 October.

The squad is scheduled to assemble in Polokwane on Monday, 6 October, with players expected to arrive from their respective clubs across Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Super Eagles Squad for WCQ vs Lesotho & Benin Republic:

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

Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
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 (New England Revolution, USA)
Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş, Turkey)

Forwards:
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)
Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)
Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Olakunle Olusegun (Pari NN, Russia)

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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