Chelle names Osimhen, Iwobi, Ekong in Super Eagles squad for World Cup Qualifiers

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has released a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Lesotho and Benin Republic scheduled for October.

Leading the list are captain William Troost-Ekong, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and midfield regulars Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi. The team also welcomes back West Brom defender Semi Ajayi, who returns after recovering from injury.

Also included are goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey. In attack, Simon Moses, Terem Moffi, and Olakunle Olusegun have all been called up, while young talents like Benjamin Fredericks and Felix Agu add depth to the squad.

Nigeria, currently third in Group C, trail group leaders Benin Republic by three points. The Super Eagles will face Lesotho’s Crocodiles at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday, October 10, before hosting Benin Republic in Uyo four days later — a match expected to be pivotal in the race for qualification.

The squad is expected to begin camp in Polokwane on Monday, October 6, as players report from their respective clubs across Europe and beyond.

Full 23-Man Nigeria Squad

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)

• 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 FC, England)

• Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)

• Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

• Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)

Forwards

• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)

• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)

• Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England)

• Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)

• Cyriel Dessers (Patinonakos, Greece)

• Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)

• Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)

• Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)

• Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, 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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