Osimhen Returns to Boost Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification Hopes

Nigeria have received a major boost ahead of their decisive FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin, with star striker Victor Osimhen returning to the squad.

Osimhen, who was forced off after just over 30 minutes in September’s qualifier against Rwanda following a reckless challenge, missed the subsequent 1–1 draw with South Africa. His comeback provides much-needed firepower for a Super Eagles side under pressure to secure automatic qualification from Group C.

Captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and winger Moses Simon have all been included in head coach Éric Sekou Chelle’s 23-man squad for the final Group C encounters.

Semi Ajayi returns after missing the September international window through injury, while forwards Terem Moffi and Olakunle Olusegun have been recalled after being omitted last time out.

Meanwhile, Ola Aina, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, and Samuel Chukwueze have all been left out, largely due to injury concerns.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, three points behind leaders Benin and second-placed South Africa. With only two games remaining, the Super Eagles face a must-win run — away to Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on 10 October, before returning home to face Benin in Uyo on 14 October.

Former Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf, now managing Coton FC in Benin, told Completesports.com that Nigeria had been handed a “lifeline” after FIFA deducted points from South Africa for fielding suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

“The deduction has changed the dynamics of Group C and given Nigeria another chance,” Yusuf said.

“But the Eagles must work hard and stay fully focused to take advantage. Nothing is impossible in football. In 1993, nobody expected Nigeria to win in Algiers, but that result sealed our first World Cup ticket for USA ’94. The same spirit is needed now. The team must remain disciplined, focused, and determined to win their matches.”

Players are expected to report to camp in Polokwane from their respective overseas clubs on 6 October.

Nigeria Super Eagles Squad

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).

Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredrick (Dender FC, Belgium).

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş, Turkey).

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).