Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has been forced into late changes to his 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic, following injuries to key players Cyriel Dessers and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
To reinforce the team, Chelle has drafted in right-back Zaidu Sanusi and striker Uche Christantus, aiming to maintain momentum in the final stretch of qualifying.
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The Super Eagles will kick off their campaign in Maseru against Lesotho on October 10, before hosting Benin Republic in a decisive home fixture on October 14 — both matches pivotal to Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
The 2022 AFCON silver medalists were given fresh qualification hopes, following a dramatic twist in the group standings, as South Africa were docked three points.
The decision has tightened the race, with Benin and South Africa level at the top on 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda sit just behind on 11.
A win against Lesotho would see Nigeria draw level with the leaders, and consecutive victories could take Chelle’s men to 17 points, a tally that may be enough to seal automatic qualification, depending on other results.
Chelle’s selection features captain William Troost-Ekong leading the defensive line, supported by Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Sanusi. In goal, Stanley Nwabali remains the undisputed first choice, with Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye providing backup.
The midfield offers both power and creativity through Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf. Up front, Victor Osimhen headlines a dynamic attack that includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi, and debutant Adams.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Chelle will demand nothing less than maximum points from both fixtures. The Super Eagles must now rise to the occasion to keep their World Cup dream alive.