By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 4, 2025

Nigeria great Segun Odegbami has urged the Super Eagles’ stars to take responsibility in securing the country’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as head coach Eric Chelle named a 23-man squad for the decisive qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

Speaking at an event themed ‘The Role of Sports in Global Geo-Politics’, Odegbami emphasised that football holds immense potential as a unifying and political tool, recalling Africa’s historic boycott of the 1976 Olympic Games as an example of collective strength.

He stressed that Africa, led by Nigeria, must be prepared to stand together once again if faced with global injustices, using football as a platform to champion freedom and equality.

Odegbami described Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup as very important, insisting that participation would provide Africa with a stronger voice in world affairs.

He called on leading figures in Nigerian sport, particularly Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Stanley Nwabali, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare and Ola Aina, to rise to the challenge.

With two games remaining, the Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 11 points, three fewer than Benin and South Africa, who both have 14 points.

Nigeria face Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday before returning to Uyo to host Benin in their final group clash on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Chelle has handed Sevilla striker Akor Adams a maiden call-up for the crucial fixtures.

Captain Troost-Ekong headlines the squad, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun all return after spells away from the national side.

Stanley Nwabali retains his place as first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye, while Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey are drafted into defence.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf provide Chelle with both experience and energy.

Nigeria’s forward line is led by Osimhen and also features Lookman, Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Arokodare, Olusegun and debutant Adams.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture following FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa, which overturned Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 win against Lesotho in March, awarding a 3-0 victory to the Crocodiles and stripping South Africa of three crucial points.

The decision means Benin and South Africa are now tied at the top with 14 points each, while Nigeria and Rwanda sit just behind on 11. A win over Lesotho would take the Super Eagles level on points with the leaders before their final home match against Benin. Two victories could see Nigeria finish on 17 points, which may be enough to secure automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 4, 2025

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