Finidi George Announces 23-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against South Africa and Benin

The new head coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George, has unveiled a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. This crucial selection includes standout performers from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, such as Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Notably, the squad will be without captain Ahmed Musa and vice-captain William Troost-Ekong. However, the team sees the return of Maduka Okoye, following his impressive form with Udinese FC. Victor Boniface, also earns his first call-up this year after recovering from injury.

The defense will feature players like Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, while the midfield boasts Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Alhassan Yusuf. Additionally, Remo Stars’ defender Sadiq Ismael receives his first call-up, alongside Paul Onuachu, who has been in stellar form for Turkish side Trabzonspor.

The Super Eagles are set to face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7, with the match kicking off at 8 PM. They will then travel to Abidjan to play Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday, June 10.

Full Squad List:

Goalkeepers:

1. – Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
2. – Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
3. – Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)

Defenders:

1. – Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal)
2. – Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)
3. – Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC)
4. – Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
5. – Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
6. – Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)

Midfielders:

1. – Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
2. – Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
3. – Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium)
4. – Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
5. – Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
6. – Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)

Forwards:

1. – Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
2. – Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy)
3. – Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
4. – Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
5. – Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey)
6. – Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
7. – Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
8. – Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)