Eight key members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles are just one booking away from suspension as the team prepares for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Head coach Eric Chelle has named a 22-man squad for the decisive double-header, with Nigeria set to face Lesotho in South Africa on Friday before travelling to take on Benin Republic four days later.
However, disciplinary worries loom large. According to AllNigeriaSoccer.com, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Tolu Arokodare, Stanley Nwabali, Ademola Lookman, and Bruno Onyemaechi are all one yellow card away from an automatic suspension.
Under FIFA’s regulations, a player who receives two yellow cards in separate matches is suspended for the next fixture — meaning any booking in the Lesotho game could rule these players out of the high-stakes encounter against Benin.
Also listed in the same category but not included in the current call-up are Jamilu Collins, Sodiq Ismail, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Umar Sadiq. Osayi-Samuel, reports say, is sidelined due to injury.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, trailing Benin Republic (group leaders) and South Africa in second place. The Super Eagles must secure maximum points from both fixtures to revive their qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup.
