Nigeria’s Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco, featuring notable returns and key inclusions aimed at bolstering the team’s qualification hopes.
Among the returning stars are goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and midfielder Raphael Onyedika, whose presence is expected to add depth and experience to the squad. Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke also makes a comeback, while promising forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle are included to strengthen Nigeria’s attacking options.
The squad features a strong defensive line led by captain William Troost-Ekong, alongside Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Benjamin Fredericks. However, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi will miss the opening fixture against Gabon due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards during the qualifying rounds.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi form the core of Chelle’s engine room, supported by the recalled Raphael Onyedika. The forward lineup includes established stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon, expected to lead the charge for goals.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the first semi-final on Thursday, November 13, at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat. The other semi-final will feature Cameroon against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 18,000-capacity El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat.
Players are expected to arrive in Morocco from their respective clubs across Europe and beyond on Monday, November 10, to begin final preparations for the decisive playoff encounter.
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy).
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium).
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).
The Super Eagles are seeking redemption after a turbulent qualification campaign, with fans hopeful that Chelle’s refreshed selection can inspire Nigeria back to the FIFA World Cup stage.
