Super Eagles squad selection for World Cup qualifiers draws criticism.
Nigerians have asked questions over Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and the Benin Republic.
With just two matches left to rescue the Super Eagles’ faltering qualifying campaign, Chelle opted for nine attackers, while naming only four midfielders, a decision that has left many questioning his tactical approach.
Among the strikers called up is Victor Osimhen, whose availability had been in doubt after he limped off in Napoli’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.
However, Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk offered reassurance on Thursday, confirming the striker is fit to feature against Besiktas, a boost for Nigeria’s hopes.
The squad also sees the return of Terem Moffi (Nice) after more than a year’s absence, and a debut call-up for Akor Adams of Sevilla. Rising winger Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), who impressed on his debut in June, also cut.
In contrast, Kelechi Iheanacho, despite a bright start to life at Celtic, was surprisingly omitted.
Only four midfielders made the list, Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Frank Onyeka (Brentford) and Alhassan Yusuf (Antwerp).
Injuries to Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru partly explain the shortage, but many believe the imbalance could hurt Nigeria’s ability to control games.
Super Eagles fans question Eric Chelle’s squad selection ahead of World Cup qualifiers
One concerned supporter wrote on social media: “I’ll never believe that Nigeria doesn’t have midfielders in Europe. Our scouts are just lazy. Benin Republic might be hard to defeat with this midfield.”
I’ll never believe that Nigeria does not have midfielders in Europe.
Our scouts are just lazy. Benin Republic might be hard to defeat with this midfield pic.twitter.com/WXZUGlaJDK
— Pamela Taiye Ilekhuoba (@pamelamodella) October 3, 2025
Another fan expressed frustration over the missed opportunity to secure dual-eligible stars, “Only four midfielders??? What is this madness? What does it take to convince Chukwuemeka (Borussia Dortmund) or Ogochukwu (Burnley) to play for us? We seriously need midfielders, man.”
Only four midfielders???? What is this madness?
What does it take to convince Chukwuemeka of Dortmund and Ogochukwu of Burnley to play for us …. We seriously need midfielders Man
— LUXX Is King🦍 (@kvng_kac77) October 3, 2025
More reactions
Just means we’re continuing with that stupid 4-4-2 that isn’t working.
Don’t know why some people, especially Samuel Chukwueze made this list.
Chukwueze and I have had the exact same impact on the super eagles in recent years – fuck all!
— FJD (@StopNiyi) October 3, 2025
Very lazy! if they are willing and ready to work, we can even get a creative midfielder in the Nigerian League. All they need is to encourage the player and give him exposure. Westerhoff did all these back in the days.
— Hakeem Musa (@HakeemMusa99769) October 3, 2025
You pack attackers full ground, not as though you’re going to use all of them at the end of the day. The same set that starts the Lesotho match that’ll still play the Benin game. The rest will be benched and you’re bringing just 4 midfielders. Well-done to the NFF🇳🇬
— Nonse Ejele (@NonseEjele) October 3, 2025
So let say iwobi and ndidi get injured in the first match. Please which players go play midfield in the next match. This current nff is the worst in history we’ve had. You go into 2 major decisive games with 4 midfielders (3 Dms and 1 winger in Fulham). Unseriousness is that you?
— TJ (@MrJapola) October 3, 2025
The selection of this midfield is questionable. The NFF and the coaching team should do more by working together and scouting quality midfielders because that’s the engine of any team. Our midfield has been very poor that’s why we don’t win games. No creativity from the middle.
— HAPPOCULTURATION (@Happoculture) October 3, 2025
In defence, Semi Ajayi returns to the squad, while full-back Ola Aina remains sidelined with injury. Chelle will likely rely on a makeshift backline as he prioritises firepower upfront.
The Super Eagles are chasing a seventh World Cup appearance, but their qualifying hopes have been revived only recently after FIFA deducted points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 11 points, behind Benin Republic and South Africa, both on 14 points. They must win their last two fixtures, starting away to Lesotho before a decisive home clash against Benin in Uyo, to stand any chance of clinching the group’s only qualification spot.
