Nigeria’s Super Eagles have announced their 24-man squad for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup African Playoff Tournament in Rabat, Morocco. The team, led by prolific striker Victor Osimhen, is set to face Gabon in the first semi-final on November 13 at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan.
Head Coach Eric Chelle has recalled key players, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Chidera Ejuke, to bolster the squad. Osimhen, fresh off a hat-trick performance for Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League, is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack.
The Super Eagles’ squad comprises:
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Captain), Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Benjamin Fredrick
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuk, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun.
The squad will assemble in Rabat on November 10 to commence preparations for the crucial fixture.
Gabon, aiming for their first-ever World Cup appearance, will field a strong team led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga. [4] The winner of the Nigeria-Gabon match will advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the playoff final, with the victor securing a spot in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026.
This playoff represents Nigeria’s final opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following their absence from the 2022 edition. The Super Eagles are determined to return to the global stage and will rely on their blend of experienced players and emerging talents to achieve this goal.
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