Crunch Time for Super Eagles as Chelle Finalizes Squad for Lesotho, Benin Battles

Crunch Time for Super Eagles as Chelle Finalizes Squad for Lesotho, Benin Battles

By Admin 

 Super Eagles are expected to unveil their provisional squad for next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic later this week, an official within the team has confirmed, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has reportedly submitted his provisional list to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is set to release the names in the coming days. The Super Eagles face a must-win situation in both fixtures to maintain any hopes of qualifying for the global showpiece.

Nigeria will take on Lesotho on October 6 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, the last away match of the qualifying series before hosting Benin Republic in Uyo on October 9.

“This is not the time for experimentation,” said a team official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Our fate is no longer entirely in our hands, so the coach has selected players he believes can win both games. If we don’t win both, we are out.”

With the group standings tight at the top, the official explained that Nigeria’s path to qualification may depend on results elsewhere and a potential ruling from FIFA.

“If South Africa are docked three points due to the Mokoena case, and Rwanda can take at least one point off them, there is a scenario where South Africa, Nigeria, and Benin could all finish on 17 points,” he added. “But none of that matters if we don’t win both matches.”

Players called up for the Lesotho match will travel directly to South Africa from their club bases, while the team is expected to return to Nigeria together via a chartered flight ahead of the Benin clash.

Currently, Nigeria sits third in Group C with 11 points. South Africa leads the group with 17 points, while Benin Republic is second with 14.

Bafana Bafana Coach Names Preliminary Squad Amid FIFA Investigation

Meanwhile, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has announced a preliminary squad for Bafana Bafana’s qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. South Africa will host Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 10 and then face Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on October 14.

The announcement comes as FIFA continues its investigation into the ineligible use of midfielder Teboho Mokoena during a March fixture against Lesotho. Should FIFA rule against South Africa, the team could be docked three points a development that would significantly shake up Group C standings.

Broos’ squad largely retains the core of players who defeated Lesotho and earned a point against Nigeria earlier this month. Notably, midfielder Sphephelo Sithole returns to the fold, having last featured during South Africa’s bronze-winning campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Germany-based defender Ime Okon, who missed the last round of fixtures due to injury, also makes a return. The provisional squad will be trimmed to 23 players ahead of the double-header.