In a surprising move, Super Eagles’ Head Coach Jose Peseiro has dropped key players, including Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Wilfred Ndidi, from the 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification clashes against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
The revamped squad sees the inclusion of fresh faces, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella earning his first-ever call-up alongside the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi and Bruno Onyemaechi. The decision to omit established players has sparked intrigue among fans and pundits alike, as Peseiro aims to inject new energy and strategies into the team.
The returning Jamilu Collins, bouncing back from a lengthy injury hiatus, adds experience to the defensive lineup. Meanwhile, the selection of Sadiq Umar, based in Spain, and the debut call-up for Tella signal Peseiro’s intent to explore untapped talent.
The squad’s backbone remains intact with familiar names such as Maduka Okoye, Kenneth Omeruo, and Alex Iwobi providing stability. The inclusion of young talents like Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman underscores Peseiro’s commitment to blending youth with experience.
The Super Eagles will kick off their World Cup qualification campaign against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, followed by a challenging away fixture against Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Butare on Sunday, November 19. The choice of the Huye Stadium as Zimbabwe’s home venue due to logistical reasons adds an extra layer of complexity to the upcoming clashes.
Peseiro’s bold decision to drop key players is sure to be a hot topic of discussion leading up to the crucial qualifiers. As the Super Eagles embark on this campaign, all eyes will be on the new faces and the strategy that Peseiro employs in a bid to secure valuable points on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
