Super Eagles have dropped captain William Ekong for today’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin, while Samuel Chukwueze and Jerome Akor will start.
Ekong has been replaced by Semi Ajayi in the heart of the back four, while Chukwueze comes in for the suspended Ademola Lookman.
Akor, who scored on his debut against Lesotho Friday, has been selected ahead of Tolu Arokodare to play alongside Victor Osimhen in attack.
Zaidu Sanusi will also start ahead of Bruno Onyemaechi at leftback and Benjamin Fredrick keeps his place at right full back.
Super Eagles Starting XI (4-4-2) vs Benin
Nwabali – Zaidu, Fredrick, Ajayi, Bassey – Ndidi, Iwobi, Moses Simon, Chukwueze – Osimhen, Akor
