The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially kicked off their final phase of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, with ten players already in camp in Rabat, Morocco.
According to team officials, the first group of players and staff arrived at the Rive Hotel in the Moroccan capital on Sunday afternoon, marking the start of an important build-up to Thursday’s crucial playoff encounter against Gabon.
Team media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that early arrivals include key players such as Calvin Bassey of Fulham, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze. They were joined by Tolu Arokodare and Olakunle Olusegun, who both play in Europe.
“Later on Sunday, three more players – Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong – joined the squad, bringing the total to eight. By nightfall, Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem also checked in, taking the number of players in camp to ten as preparations intensified,” Efoghe explained.
The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed that Coach Eric Chelle had finalized his 24-man list for the playoffs, consisting of both Europe-based professionals and homegrown talents ready for the high-stakes matches in Rabat.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first playoff fixture on Thursday. Victory in that game will send the Super Eagles to the final African playoff against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, also scheduled to take place in Rabat.
The playoff round serves as an additional qualifying route for African nations seeking to book a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the winner will still have to face a team from another continent in an intercontinental playoff set for March 2026 in Mexico.
Chelle’s current squad differs slightly from the one that secured victories against Lesotho and Benin last month, results that propelled Nigeria to second place in their group, behind South Africa.
Among those returning to the squad are Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and defender Chidozie Awaziem, both expected to strengthen the backline. Raphael Onyedika and Chidera Ejuke were also recalled to add midfield depth and attacking creativity.
However, Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche did not make the latest selection.
Despite being the highest-ranked side in the playoff round, Coach Chelle urged focus and caution. He emphasized that discipline and tactical awareness would be vital if the Super Eagles are to reclaim their place among the world’s elite teams in 2026.
Nigeria Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy).
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA).
Forwards: Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Olakunle Olusegun (Nizhny Novgorod, Russia), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France).
Okay News reports that all eyes will be on Nigeria’s star forward Victor Osimhen and captain William Troost-Ekong to lead the team through the decisive encounters, as the Super Eagles aim to secure a return to the FIFA World Cup stage.
