2026 WCQ: Ekong benched as Super Eagles reveal starting XI against Benin
Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has been dropped from the starting line-up for Nigeria’s crucial final Group C match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Benin Republic.
Head coach Eric Chelle has opted to start Semi Ajayi in central defence alongside Calvin Bassey, while Akor Adams earns his first full start for the national team.
The 25-year-old forward came off the bench to score on his debut during Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Lesotho on Friday and will now partner Victor Osimhen in attack.
In defence, Zaidu Sanusi replaces Bruno Onyemaechi at left-back, and Samuel Chukwueze takes the place of Ademola Lookman, who is unavailable due to suspension for card accumulation.
The rest of the line-up remains unchanged, with Stanley Nwabali in goal, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, and Benjamin Fredrick retaining their positions from the previous match.
The Super Eagles will take on the Benin Republic at 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 14 points and must secure a convincing win—preferably with a clean sheet—while hoping South Africa drop points against Rwanda to automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Super Eagles Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali; Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi; Wilfred Ndidi (C), Alex Iwobi; Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.
