The Super Eagles of Nigeria have opened camp in Rabat, Morocco, as preparations intensify for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoff against Gabon, scheduled for Thursday.
According to team updates shared on their official X handle, 18 players have already arrived at the camp, signalling the beginning of the final phase of preparations for the must-win encounter. The post, captioned “Eagles in Camp,” listed several key players among the early arrivals.
Those already in Morocco include Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredericks, Chidozie Awaziem, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Raphael Onyedika.
Okay News reports that the first batch of players and team officials arrived at the Rive Hotel in Rabat on Sunday afternoon, marking the start of the team’s buildup to the decisive tie. The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that early arrivals included Bassey, Iwobi, and Chukwueze, alongside Arokodare and Olusegun.
Head coach Eric Chelle earlier named a 24-man squad for the playoffs, featuring both returning stars and consistent performers across top European clubs. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke earned recalls following impressive displays at club level.
Nigeria will face Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final at the El-Barid Stadium in Rabat, while Cameroon takes on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other fixture. The winners of both matches will advance to the final on November 16 to decide who progresses to the inter-confederation playoffs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The Super Eagles, who last appeared at the global tournament in Russia 2018, are determined to make a comeback after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
