Super Eagles Announce 24-Man Squad for Crucial World Cup Play-offs in Morocco
Nigeria’s quest for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification enters a critical phase as Head Coach Eric Chelle unveils his 24-player roster for the upcoming African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco. The squad announcement marks the return of several key players, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, forward Chidera Ejuke, and midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
The Super Eagles are set to face Gabon in a high-stakes semi-final clash scheduled for Thursday at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan. The parallel semi-final will see Cameroon battling DR Congo at the El-Barid Stadium.
The selected squad combines experienced internationals with returning talents. Captain William Troost-Ekong, prolific striker Victor Osimhen, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali lead the contingent. The defensive line welcomes back Bright Osayi-Samuel, who has recovered from his previous injury, alongside Calvin Bassey and promising youngster Benjamin Fredericks.
The midfield configuration features Premier League veterans Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, complemented by Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf. Onyedika’s inclusion adds tactical flexibility to Chelle’s strategic options.
The attacking department showcases an impressive array of talent, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Osimhen, reinforced by Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle.
Notable absence includes defender Semi Ajayi, who serves a suspension for the semi-final due to accumulated yellow cards during the qualifying series. He will only be eligible should Nigeria advance to the final round.
The squad is expected to convene in Rabat on Monday, November 10, for a four-day intensive training camp before the tournament.
The build-up to the play-offs has been marked by controversy, with the Nigeria Football Federation filing a formal protest to FIFA regarding the appointment of South African and Benin Republic officials for the Gabon match. The NFF’s concerns stem from potential bias, particularly following controversial remarks by South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie expressing opposition to Nigeria’s qualification.
The tournament’s structure means the winner of the Nigeria-Gabon encounter will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the next round, moving one step closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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