Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named his starting XI to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in tonight’s decisive African playoff final for the 2026 World Cup, with midfielder Wilfred Ndidi handed the captain’s armband.
The lineup, released ahead of kickoff in Rabat, Morocco, features Stanley Nwabali in goal, while Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, and Benjamin Fredrick make up a solid defensive unit aimed at containing the Congolese attack.
In midfield, Ndidi leads a trio including Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, bringing experience and stability as the Super Eagles chase the sole African slot to the intercontinental playoff.
Up front, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze spearhead Nigeria’s attack, a forward line expected to deliver goals after the team’s impressive 4—1 win over Gabon in the semi-final.
The full starting XI features:
Nwabali; Fredrick; Sanusi; Ndidi (C); Ajayi; Lookman; Onyeka; Osimhen; Chukwueze; Iwobi; Bassey.
Substitutes include: Okoye, Ekong, Ejuke, Adams, Osayi, Arokodare, Simon, Onyemaechi, Abdullahi, Obasogie, Adike, Awaziem.
The Super Eagles, chasing a return to the World Cup, face a DR Congo side that edged Cameroon with a late winner on Thursday.
The match holds enormous stakes, with the winner advancing to challenge for a place at the global tournament.
