Akor Adams has been handed his first start for the Super Eagles in the must-win Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin in Uyo, Afrosport reports.
The 25-year-old made his debut in the 2-1 win against Lesotho, coming off the bench to score the winner.
The Sevilla forward has now been rewarded with a start and will play alongside Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
Paris FC star Moses Simon and Fulham’s Samuel Chukwueze will start on the flanks while Besiktas’ Wilfred Ndidi and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi maintain their place in central midfield.
The defence sees a return to the starting XI for Semi Ajayi and plays alongside Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, FC Porto’s Zaidu Sansusi and Brentford loanee Benjamin Fredrick.
Stanley Nwabali maintains his place between the sticks despite being coming under fire for causing the late goal Lesotho scored last Friday and almost handed them a late equaliser.
🔁 Four changes from our win over Lesotho
©️ Ndidi leads the team tonight
👕 Simon makes his 85th appearance
⚡️ Osimhen partners Akor Adams up frontLet’s get this over the line, boys 💪🏾#SoarSuperEagles | #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/WOZRKqmFo8
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 14, 2025
Eric Chelle’s men must defeat Benin at the Godwswill Akpabio Stadium while hoping South Africa lose to Rwanda in the other simultaneous Group C game to stand any chance of automatic qualification for next year’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
