Nigeria has unveiled a formidable 25-man squad for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin, featuring Europa League winner Ademola Lookman and the reigning CAF African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen.
New head coach Finidi George has assembled an attack-minded group as the Super Eagles aim to dominate Group C. George’s selection marks a departure from the defensive tactics seen at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, signaling his intent for a more aggressive style of play. “With the calibre of players that we have, we cannot play defensive football,” George emphasized. “We have to get the right balance between attack and defence.”
Leading the offensive charge will be Atalanta’s Lookman and Napoli’s prolific striker Osimhen. The midfield is bolstered by the inclusions of Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika, adding depth and versatility.
Notably, Remo Stars wing-back Sadiq Ismail receives his first call-up, having impressed as arguably the best player in the Nigerian domestic league with 12 assists this season.
In the goalkeeping department, Maduka Okoye returns to the squad after missing the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, with Francis Uzoho excluded despite his good recent form at the club level. Okoye is joined by home-based duo Ojo Olorunleke and Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali, who is expected to maintain his position as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper after a standout performance at the AFCON.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualifying group, following a victory over Mauritania and a loss to Sudan in the initial matches last November. The Super Eagles will look to leverage their home advantage when they host South Africa in Uyo on June 7, before traveling to Abidjan to face Benin three days later.
With the top two teams securing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, George understands the importance of securing maximum points in the upcoming fixtures.
Nigeria Squad for World Cup Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)
Forwards: Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
