🇳🇬 Super Eagles Announce 23-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Date: October 7, 2025 | Author: HotGist9ja Sports Desk
Latest Update on Super Eagles
The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has released its official 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic. Newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle announced the list amid high anticipation from fans and analysts.
📋 Full 23-Man Squad
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem), Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
- Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham), William Troost-Ekong (PAOK), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista)
- Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp), Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
- Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Moses Simon (Nantes), Terem Moffi (Nice), Gift Orban (KAA Gent), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
🔥 Players’ Recent Performances in World Cup Qualifiers
The Super Eagles have shown flashes of brilliance during their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but inconsistency has been a key concern.
- Victor Osimhen – Scored 3 goals in 2 matches; Nigeria’s leading goal scorer in the qualifiers so far.
- Ademola Lookman – Registered 1 goal and 2 assists, showing excellent link-up play from the wings.
- Wilfred Ndidi – Anchored the midfield with strong defensive contributions and 85% pass accuracy.
- Stanley Nwabali – Kept one clean sheet and made 8 crucial saves in the first two qualifiers.
- Kelechi Iheanacho – Provided 2 assists and created several key chances in Nigeria’s attack.
⚽ Coach Eric Chelle’s Vision
Coach Eric Chelle has emphasized a tactical rebuild focused on discipline, teamwork, and consistent pressing. He aims to restore Nigeria’s dominance in African football after their disappointing AFCON run earlier this year.
💬 Fans’ Reactions
Nigerians on social media are excited but cautious. Many fans have praised the inclusion of younger players like Gift Orban and Victor Boniface, while others called for stronger defensive reinforcements ahead of the qualifiers.
📅 Upcoming Fixtures
- Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Lesotho 🇱🇸 – November 11, 2025 (Uyo Stadium)
- Benin 🇧🇯 vs Nigeria 🇳🇬 – November 17, 2025 (Cotonou Stadium)
🔖 Summary
The Super Eagles’ preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is gaining momentum under Eric Chelle. With top talents like Osimhen, Lookman, and Ndidi in form, Nigeria’s hopes of qualification remain strong — but defensive stability will be key.