Lookman, Osimhen headline Nigeria squad for World Cup qualifiers as Remo Stars’ Sadiq Ismael earns maiden call-up
Nigeria’s coach, Finidi George, has named a strong 23-man squad to face South Africa and Benin Republic in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The squad features a mix of experience and debutants, including red-hot attacker Ademola Lookman and reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen.
Reliable goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is joined by Maduka Okoye, with both players vying for the starting spot.
There are also call-ups for established defenders like Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, while midfield maestros Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi bring a wealth of experience.
Newcomer Sadiq Ismael from Remo Stars earns his first cap alongside midfielder Fisayo Bashiru and forwards Nathan Tella and Paul Onuachu.
The Super Eagles will take on South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on June 7th before traveling to Abidjan to face Benin Republic on June 10th.
Full Squad list
- 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)