The Super Eagles of Nigeria are expected to unveil their provisional squad for next month’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic later this week, as confirmed by an official close to the team, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
As per a report seen on BSNSports.com, head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has reportedly submitted his list of invited players to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with an official announcement anticipated in the coming days.
Nigeria faces a must-win scenario in both fixtures to keep their hopes of reaching the World Cup alive. The Super Eagles will travel to Bloemfontein, South Africa, to face Lesotho on October 6, before hosting Benin Republic in Uyo on October 9 in their final group game.
“This is not the time for experimentation,” a team insider said on condition of anonymity. “Our fate is no longer entirely in our hands, so the coach has chosen players he trusts to win both games. If we don’t win both, we are out.”
The official also noted that Nigeria’s qualification chances could hinge on results elsewhere and an ongoing FIFA disciplinary case.
“If South Africa is docked three points due to the Mokoena case, and Rwanda can take at least one point off them, there’s a scenario where South Africa, Nigeria, and Benin all finish on 17 points,” he explained. “But none of that matters if we don’t win both matches.”
Players called up for the Lesotho match are expected to report directly to South Africa from their clubs, while the squad will travel together on a chartered flight back to Nigeria for the Benin fixture.
Currently, Nigeria sits third in Group C with 11 points, trailing South Africa (17 points) and Benin Republic (14 points).
Oluwayemi Omolagba