As the African qualifications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup come to a close, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will play the Crocodiles of Lesotho on Matchday 9. With 11 points from eight games, Eric Chelle’s team is now three points behind South Africa and Benin Republic, who are joint leaders in Group C. After FIFA docked South Africa three points and three goals for using an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the March 21, 2025, match against Lesotho, their chances of qualifying were saved.
With two last-minute additions to the original roster, Chelle has called up a total of 23 players for the forthcoming games. Bright Osayi-Samuel is replaced by right-back Zaidu Sanusi, and Cyriel Dessers is replaced by forward Uche Christantus. Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun have all returned from stints away from the national setup to join Captain William Troost-Ekong as the team’s leader.
Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey have been chosen for defense, and Stanley Nwabali is still the starting goalkeeper, with Adebayo Adeleye and Amas Obasogie providing support. The heart of the midfield is made up of Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf, who combine experience and enthusiasm. Together with Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and recently called-up Gift Adams, Victor Osimhen spearheads the assault.
