Osimhen returns from injury as Chelle calls up 23 for two must-win World Cup qualifiers

SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has published his list of 23 invitees for the Super Eagles' forthcoming must-win World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho taking place later this month with star striker Victor Osimhen back from injury.

On October 9, the Eagles will face Lesotho at the Polokwani Stadium, South Africa and then five days later the team will host Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Both matches are must-win games for Nigeria to stand any chance whatsoever of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria recently got thrown a lifeline after group leaders South Africa were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player in a qualifier but getting six points from these last two games is now compulsory. Earlier today, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) released the list of Mr Chelle's invitees, made up of a mixture of familiar names and a few new faces making the cut.

Three goalkeepers have been called up in Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye, while in defence, Semi Ajayi of English Championship side West Bromwich Albion has been recalled following his return from injury. However, regular rightfullback Ola Aina will miss out on these games as he is recovering from surgery following an operation on his hamstring.

Regular defenders  William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu have been called up in what is a mixture of youth and experience. In midfield, there are few surprises as Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and  Alhassan Yusuf have been invited to camp, although Raphael Onyedika misses out due to injury.

Upfront, Victor Osimhen returns after missing the last game against South Africa with an injury. He has been invited alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers and Terem Moffi, alongside new faces Akor Adams and Ola Olusegun.

Full 23-man Super Eagles squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye

Defenders: Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf

Forwards: Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Ola Olusegun