Injuries force Super Eagles coach into two roster changes, one player has a huge question mark

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced two changes to the Super Eagles roster ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho's Crocodiles and Benin's Cheetahs.

Birmingham City right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel and Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers have both withdrawn from the squad after sustaining injuries, ruling them out of the October internationals.

Osayi-Samuel was not included in Birmingham's matchday squad for their 1-1 draw with Wrexham on Friday, while Dessers was left out of Panathinaikos matchday squad for Sunday's Super League home fixture against Atromitos.

In response, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has called up Crystal Palace midfielder Christantus Uche and Porto fullback Zaidu Sanusi as replacements for the injured pair.

Uche was initially left out of the squad for sporting reasons, with the Getafe loanee struggling for playing time at Crystal Palace, registering only 51 minutes in all competitions since joining the Premier League side.

Sanusi has climbed the pecking order of fullbacks following the unavailability of Ola Aina and Osayi-Samuel. 

The 28-year-old defender has rediscovered his form at Portuguese giants Porto, making nine appearances so far this season and contributing a goal and an assist.

However, there remains a huge question mark over the availability of Werder Bremen fullback Felix Agu for the upcoming qualifiers.

The former Germany U21 international was forced off with an injury just before halftime during Bremen's win over FC St. Pauli on Saturday, their first home victory of the season. 

Agu is expected to undergo an MRI scan on Monday, which will determine whether he will travel to South Africa for the Group C clash against Lesotho.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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