Eric Chelle, Super Eagles head coach, has called up Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche to replace Cyriel Dessers and Bright Osayi-Samuel for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
The replacement became imperative following the withdrawal of both players due to injury.
Chelle, who unveiled his initial list on Friday, confirmed the inclusion of Zaidu and Uche as replacements for the injured duo on Saturday as he revised the initial list ahead of the crucial qualifiers.
Zaidu, who plies his trade with FC Porto, returns to the national team after a long injury layoff.
The left-back last featured for the Super Eagles during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, where Nigeria finished as runners-up.
His return is seen as a timely boost, offering Chelle renewed balance and experience on the defensive flank especially with the absence of Ola Aina due to injury
Meanwhile, Uche earns another chance to impress after a string of impressive performances for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.
The energetic forward, who recently switched from La Liga, has been in fine form and is expected to add more attacking depth and versatility to the team in Dessers’ absence.
The Super Eagles will open their October qualifiers away to Lesotho on October 10 in Maseru, before returning to Abuja to face Benin Republic on October 14.
Both fixtures are crucial as Nigeria look to book their qualification ticket for the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Chelle’s squad is expected to begin camp in Abuja on Monday before departing for Maseru for the must-win encounter.
Revised 23-Man Super Eagles Squad
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance), Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem)
Defenders:
Felix Agu (Werder Bremen), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista), Semi Ajayi (West Brom), William Troost-Ekong (PAOK), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Benjamin Fredrick (Brøndby), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp)
Forwards:
Moses Simon (Nantes), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Tolu Arokodare (Genk), Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Terem Moffi (Nice), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Akor Adams (Montpellier), Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace), Ola Olusegun (Sochi)
