Osimhen, Iwobi Return As Chelle Names 23-Man Squad For World Cup Qualifiers
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic, with Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi returning to the team.
Osimhen, who recently joined Galatasaray, missed Nigeria’s last outing — a 1-1 draw with South Africa — after picking up an injury in the 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo. Fulham midfielder Iwobi also makes the cut as Chelle looks to strengthen the midfield for the must-win games.
Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 11 points, three behind South Africa and Benin Republic, with two matches left. However, the Super Eagles were handed a boost after FIFA stripped South Africa of three points for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in their March 21, 2025 victory over Lesotho.
The squad also features captain William Troost-Ekong, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare. Terem Moffi, Semi Ajayi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun return to the fold, while Sevilla striker Akor Adams has earned his first senior call-up.
Squad List
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-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, 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 (Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)
