The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to participate in their critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Lesotho with a formidable 23-man squad, recently announced by Head Coach Eric Chelle. This roster boasts a collective market valuation of a substantial €295.2 million, underscoring Nigeria’s standing as one of Africa’s most talent-rich footballing nations. The team's high financial valuation is a testament to the caliber of both established stars and promising emerging talents within the squad.

Key players contributing significantly to this impressive market value include Victor Osimhen, valued at €75 million, who remains Africa’s most prized striker, and Ademola Lookman, whose stellar performances, particularly with Atalanta, have pushed his stock to €60 million. Other highly-valued assets in the squad feature Alex Iwobi at €28 million, Calvin Bassey at €25 million, and Tolu Arokodare at €18 million. Midfield anchors such as Wilfred Ndidi (€12 million) and Frank Onyeka (€7 million) also play crucial roles. On the other end of the spectrum, players like Stanley Nwabali (€650k), Benjamin Fredrick (€400k), and Adebayo Adeleye (€450k) represent the lower end of the valuation scale, while Amas Obasogie is listed without a recorded market value.

The 23-man squad unveiled for the October qualifiers includes:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey).

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).

This selection has generated some discussion among football fans, particularly concerning players who were arguably in strong form at their respective European clubs but did not make the cut. Notable omissions include Paul Onuachu, the 30-year-old Trabzonspor striker, who has scored five goals in his last seven appearances, including an impressive brace. Another overlooked talent is Rafiu Durosinmi of Viktoria Plzen, who has netted eight goals in 16 appearances across all competitions with a combative style of play. Defender Zaidu Sanusi from Porto, who is reportedly returning to his best form after injuries and gaining more minutes, was also left out, despite his potential to challenge Bruno Onyemaechi. In midfield, Anthony Dennis of Goztepe, an important player in his team’s unbeaten run, was considered a viable option given the limited midfield call-ups and injuries to players like Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Nigeria currently occupies third place in their qualifying group, trailing first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa by three points. The Super Eagles face a crucial Matchday 9 encounter against the Likuena (Crocodiles) of Lesotho on Friday, October 10th, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. Following this, they will travel to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, for a vital final Matchday game against group leaders Benin Republic on Tuesday, October 14th. The squad is scheduled to converge in Polokwane on Monday, October 6th, to commence preparations.

While the Super Eagles boast an impressive transfer market valuation, the critical question remains whether this financial strength will translate into consistent victories on the pitch, especially given their recent struggles in the World Cup qualifiers. These upcoming back-to-back must-win encounters against Benin and Lesotho will be pivotal in determining Nigeria's path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, proving if their market riches can be converted into crucial on-field results.