Nigerians have asked questions over Eric Chelle's 23-man squad for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and the Benin Republic.

With just two matches left to rescue the Super Eagles’ faltering qualifying campaign, Chelle opted for nine attackers, while naming only four midfielders, a decision that has left many questioning his tactical approach.

Among the strikers called up is Victor Osimhen, whose availability had been in doubt after he limped off in Napoli’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.

However, Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk offered reassurance on Thursday, confirming the striker is fit to feature against Besiktas, a boost for Nigeria’s hopes.

The squad also sees the return of Terem Moffi (Nice) after more than a year’s absence, and a debut call-up for Akor Adams of Sevilla. Rising winger Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), who impressed on his debut in June, also cut.

In contrast, Kelechi Iheanacho, despite a bright start to life at Celtic, was surprisingly omitted.

Only four midfielders made the list, Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Frank Onyeka (Brentford) and Alhassan Yusuf (Antwerp).

Injuries to Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru partly explain the shortage, but many believe the imbalance could hurt Nigeria’s ability to control games.

One concerned supporter wrote on social media, “I’ll never believe that Nigeria doesn’t have midfielders in Europe. Our scouts are just lazy. Benin Republic might be hard to defeat with this midfield.”

Another fan expressed frustration over the missed opportunity to secure dual-eligible stars, "Only four midfielders??? What is this madness? What does it take to convince Chukwuemeka (Borussia Dortmund) or Ogochukwu (Burnley) to play for us? We seriously need midfielders, man.”

In defence, Semi Ajayi returns to the squad, while full-back Ola Aina remains sidelined with injury. Chelle will likely rely on a makeshift backline as he prioritises firepower upfront.

The Super Eagles are chasing a seventh World Cup appearance, but their qualifying hopes have been revived only recently after FIFA deducted points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 11 points, behind Benin Republic and South Africa, both on 14 points. They must win their last two fixtures, starting away to Lesotho before a decisive home clash against Benin in Uyo, to stand any chance of clinching the group’s only qualification spot.