Finidi George announces squad for Nigeria’s crucial World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa and Benin
Finidi George, the new head coach of Nigeria, has announced his squad for the 3rd and 4th match days of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where the Super Eagles will face South Africa in Abuja and Benin in Abidjan.
The team is struggling in the qualifiers, having drawn 1-1 against both Zimbabwe and Lesotho.
To boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup, George has called up 25 players for the matches against South Africa on June 7 and Benin on June 10.
Despite not being renewed after a strong Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) performance under previous coach José Peseiro, the core of the squad remains similar.
Key players include goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has secured his position, with Maduka Okoye returning after a long absence.
Notably, veteran captain William Troost-Ekong, named the best player of the last AFCON, is absent from the list.
However, other mainstays like Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, and in-form Ademola Lookman are included.
The squad list is as follows:
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)
This selection aims to revive Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign and secure vital wins in the upcoming matches.
