Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced two late changes to his squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and the Benin Republic.

The adjustments became necessary after injuries sidelined two players from the original 23-man list released last Friday. Left-back Zaidu Sanusi has been drafted in to replace Bright Osayi-Samuel, while forward Uche Christantus has been handed a recall in place of Cyriel Dessers.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes hang in the balance, and Chelle will be banking on the fresh inclusions to make an impact as the team fights to secure a place in next year’s tournament.

The Super Eagles will first travel to Maseru to face Lesotho on October 10 before returning home to host the Benin Republic in their final group fixture on October 14.

Chelle faces a delicate task, with Nigeria needing strong results in both matches to keep their qualification dream alive.

Naija News reports that the team’s path was recently complicated after South Africa were handed a three-point deduction, leaving the group wide open. As it stands, the Super Eagles not only need two wins from their last two games, but they also need results from other games in the group to go their way to guarantee their place in the 2026 World Cup.

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