AFCON 2025
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has named his 23-man squad for the crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, with star striker Victor Osimhen leading the line.
The announcement contained a surprise, however, as Kelechi Iheanacho was omitted despite his strong start to the season with Celtic.
With only two qualifier matches remaining, Nigeria is under intense pressure to win both and score heavily to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive, prompting Chelle to call up nine attackers.
Osimhenโs fitness has been under scrutiny after he limped off against Liverpool in the Champions League, but Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has confirmed the striker is expected to play in their derby against Besiktas.
๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man list for Octoberโs #FIFAWCQ vs Lesotho ๐ฑ๐ธ & Benin ๐ง๐ฏ.
๐ Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the team
๐ Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf & Olakunle Olusegun return
๐ Akorโฆ pic.twitter.com/QPuM9QJQPX— ๐ณ๐ฌ Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 3, 2025
The squad welcomes the return of Terem Moffi for the first time in over a year, and Olakunle Olusegun, who debuted in June.
The selection is noticeably thin in midfield, with only four players chosen: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alhassan Yusuf. This is due to injuries to Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele Bashiru.
Full 23-Man Squad Breakdown:
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye
- Defenders: Felix Agu, Bruno Onyeamachi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredrick, Semi Ajayi
- Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf
- Forwards: Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Olakunle Olusegun, Terem Moffi, Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams
