Nigeria’s head coach adjusts roster after injuries ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin
Abuja, Nigeria – Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made two late alterations to his 23-man squad for Nigeria’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures, replacing injured players Cyriel Dessers and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Injury Blows Force Squad Reshuffle
Rangers striker Dessers and Fenerbahçe defender Osayi-Samuel have both been ruled out after picking up injuries. Porto right-back Zaidu Sanusi gets the call to replace Osayi-Samuel, while forward Uche Christantus comes in for Dessers.
Chelle had only announced his 23-man roster on Friday. Medical reports from the players’ clubs soon forced a rethink. The timing isn’t ideal, Nigeria has two must-win games coming up, and bedding in new faces at this stage always carries some risk.
What’s at Stake in These Fixtures
The Super Eagles travel to Lesotho on October 10, then return home to face Benin Republic four days later at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Chelle needs six points from these matches if Nigeria is to have any realistic shot at automatic qualification.
For a three-time African champion currently sitting third in the group, the pressure is mounting. Every point matters now. The expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup in North America may offer more slots than before, but that’s cold comfort if you miss out entirely.
South Africa’s Points Deduction Changes Everything
Here’s where things get interesting. FIFA and CAF recently docked South Africa three points for fielding an ineligible player during the campaign. That decision has completely reshuffled Group C and thrown Nigeria a lifeline.
Benin Republic and South Africa now share top spot with 14 points each. Nigeria and Rwanda are just three points behind on 11. Beat Lesotho, and suddenly the Super Eagles are level with the leaders heading into that final home clash with Benin. Win both games? Nigeria could finish on 17 points, which might be enough for automatic qualification, though it’ll likely come down to what South Africa does in their remaining matches.
It’s tight. Perhaps tighter than it needed to be.
Who’s in the Squad?
Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the group. He’ll be joined by Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun, all returning after time away from the national setup.
Between the posts, Stanley Nwabali appears to have nailed down the number one spot. Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye provide backup. The back line includes Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, and the newly-called-up Sanusi.
Chelle has decent options in midfield. Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi bring Premier League pedigree and experience. Frank Onyeka adds bite, while the returning Alhassan Yusuf gives the coach tactical flexibility. That quartet should offer enough control and creativity, at least on paper.
Up front is where Nigeria’s real firepower sits. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen leads the line, obviously. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, fresh off winning CAF African Player of the Year, provides quality on the wing alongside Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze. Moffi, Tolu Arokodare, Olusegun, and debutant Kelechi Adams round out the attacking options.
Can Chelle Get This Right?
The French-Malian coach now faces a tricky balancing act. Integrating Sanusi and Christantus at short notice while maintaining tactical cohesion isn’t straightforward. Yes, these are quality players, but they haven’t been training with the group. Timing and chemistry matter in tournament football.
Nigeria needs to beat both Lesotho and Benin, anything less probably ends their automatic qualification hopes. And if results elsewhere go against them, goal difference could become the tiebreaker. No pressure, then.
