The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced a 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and winger Chidera Ejuke making notable returns to the Super Eagles lineup.
The list was released on Saturday through the federation’s official social media platforms ahead of Nigeria’s semi-final clash with Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, scheduled for November 13.
Okay News reports that Nigeria must win that encounter to advance to the final round three days later, where they could face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo for a place in the inter-confederation play-offs that determine the final World Cup slots.
Among the goalkeepers, Okoye’s recall had been widely anticipated. The 26-year-old Udinese shot-stopper is back in the national fold for the first time since June after regaining his starting position at his Italian club. His return comes following calls from fans and analysts amid inconsistent performances from Stanley Nwabali.
Okoye’s recent form has impressed many observers, particularly after his strong showing that helped Udinese end Atalanta’s unbeaten run in Serie A last weekend.
In defence, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, and Semi Ajayi were all included. Osayi-Samuel, who plays for Birmingham City in England’s Championship, returns after recovering from a muscle injury. Ajayi, who represents West Bromwich Albion, remains suspended for the semi-final against Gabon due to accumulated yellow cards but was still called up as part of the team.
Awaziem, who features for FC Nantes in France, also returns after missing recent international windows, while captain William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC retained their positions.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, and Alex Iwobi maintained their places. Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge also made a comeback after recovering from a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old has been in fine form, delivering standout performances in both Belgian league matches and the UEFA Champions League, including a memorable display against Barcelona.
Ejuke’s return marks his first invitation to the Super Eagles since October 2024. The Sevilla FC winger last featured for Nigeria during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. His improved form in La Liga, where he has provided one assist in eight appearances this season, earned him a recall.
In attack, Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, leads the frontline alongside Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle, giving the team depth in both wide and central positions.
However, there were some notable omissions. Paul Onuachu, who has scored seven league goals for Trabzonspor and recently won the Turkish Super Lig Player of the Month award, was left out despite being the highest-scoring Nigerian across Europe’s top leagues. Also missing from the squad is Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, the young Inter Milan midfielder currently on loan at Pisa, who has impressed in Italy’s Serie A this season.
Nigeria is aiming to return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2018, after missing out on qualification for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The play-offs in Morocco will feature four teams — Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo — battling through two semi-finals and a final between November 13 and 16.
The overall winner will earn a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs, offering one last opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
