Akor Adams earns first call-up as Nigeria look to revive World Cup hopes after FIFA sanctions shake up Group C standings
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic scheduled for October.
The list, released on Friday, features a mix of fresh faces and returning stars, as Nigeria looks to reignite their World Cup qualification campaign in Group C following a major twist in the standings caused by FIFA sanctions against South Africa.
Akor Adams Gets First Call-Up, Troost-Ekong Leads
The biggest headline from the Super Eagles squad list is the first-ever call-up for Akor Adams, the in-form Sevilla striker. Captain William Troost-Ekong returns to lead the team, with Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf, and Olakunle Olusegun also making comebacks to the national setup.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali retains his position as Nigeria’s number one, while Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye provide backup options.
Strong Midfield and Attacking Depth
The midfield features a solid mix of experience and energy with Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and the returning Alhassan Yusuf.
Nigeria’s attack is spearheaded by reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, supported by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and debutant Akor Adams.
Full Super Eagles Squad for October World Cup Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers:
- Stanley Nwabali
- Amas Obasogie
- Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders:
- William Troost-Ekong
- Semi Ajayi
- Felix Agu
- Bruno Onyemaechi
- Bright Osayi-Samuel
- Benjamin Fredrick
- Calvin Bassey
Midfielders:
- Wilfred Ndidi
- Alex Iwobi
- Frank Onyeka
- Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards:
- Victor Osimhen
- Ademola Lookman
- Moses Simon
- Samuel Chukwueze
- Terem Moffi
- Cyriel Dessers
- Tolu Arokodare
- Olakunle Olusegun
- Akor Adams
Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign has been given a surprising lifeline after FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their 2–0 win over Lesotho earlier this year. The result has been overturned, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 win and deducting three points from South Africa.
This development dramatically alters the Group C standings, with Benin Republic and South Africa now tied at the top with 14 points. Nigeria and Rwanda follow with 11 points each, while Lesotho climb to 9. Zimbabwe, with just 4 points, are officially out of the race.
Next Fixtures: Nigeria vs Lesotho and Nigeria vs Benin
The Super Eagles face Lesotho on October 10 in Polokwane, South Africa, followed by a high-stakes clash against Benin on October 14 in Uyo, Nigeria.
