Werder Bremen defender Felix Agu has been ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic due to a serious ankle injury. Agu sustained a syndesmosis ligament injury during Werder Bremen's recent Bundesliga 1-0 win over St. Pauli, forcing him off the pitch just before halftime.
Medical assessments, including MRI and X-ray scans, confirmed that Agu will be sidelined for several months, dashing hopes that he would participate in the crucial World Cup qualification matches scheduled for October 2025. The injury is severe and typically requires three to six months of recovery.
This development is a major blow to the Super Eagles and their coach Eric Chelle, who had counted on Agu's versatility and impressive form. Agu had just recently established himself in the national team, making his debut in June and quickly becoming a key defensive asset.
With Agu's absence, the coaching staff is expected to call up a replacement to fill the defensive void for the important fixtures against Lesotho in Polokwane and Benin Republic in Uyo.
The injury adds to Nigeria’s growing list of unavailable players ahead of the qualifiers, intensifying the challenge for the team as they strive for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.