Nigeria’s preparations for the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers have suffered a setback after defender Felix Agu picked up an injury while in action for Werder Bremen at the weekend.

The left-back delivered a solid performance in the first half of Bremen’s narrow 1-0 victory over St. Pauli on Saturday before being forced off the pitch just before halftime.

He required assistance to leave the field, sparking immediate concerns over his availability for international duty.

Although the full extent of Agu’s injury has not been officially confirmed, early indications suggest that it is serious enough to rule him out of Nigeria’s upcoming qualifiers.

The defender has endured a troubled injury history, which raises further doubts about a quick recovery.

Agu was among the 23 players named by head coach Eric Chelle on Friday for Nigeria’s decisive fixtures against Lesotho and Benin next week.

His withdrawal would further deplete a squad already missing key figures. Regulars such as Ola Aina, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have already been sidelined, leaving Chelle with limited options ahead of the crucial matches.

Should Agu fail to recover in time, Bruno Onyemaechi will be the only recognised left-back available to the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles take on Lesotho before locking horns with Benin in fixtures that will go a long way in determining their path to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.