Injuries, Visa Delay Hit Super Eagles Squad Ahead of Lesotho World Cup Qualifier

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho have taken a blow as injuries and visa delays cut the Super Eagles’ 23-man squad down to 21 players. Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle now faces a selection challenge ahead of the Group C showdown in Polokwane, South Africa, this Friday.

Key players like Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers have both withdrawn due to injury, prompting Chelle to call up Zaidu Sanusi of FC Porto and Christantus Uche from Crystal Palace as replacements. The team had earlier lost wing-back Felix Agu, reducing the squad before camp officially opened.

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Adding to the coach’s concerns, Russia-based winger Olakunle Olusegun is still awaiting a South African entry visa and may miss the trip entirely if the issue is not resolved in time.

By Tuesday night, 18 players had checked into The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, with Sanusi and Spain-based striker Jerome Akor Adams expected to arrive on Wednesday. United States-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi is scheduled to join the squad on Thursday.

Despite these setbacks, the Super Eagles will hold their second training session on Wednesday as preparations intensify for the Matchday 9 fixture against Lesotho, scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Nigerian time).

Confirmed Super Eagles Squad vs Lesotho

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

Defenders:
William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)

Forwards:
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)

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With qualification points at stake, Chelle’s men should strive to overcome their selection troubles and secure a vital away win to keep Nigeria’s World Cup hopes firmly on track.

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