The Super Eagles of Nigeria are on a critical path towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Eric Chelle unveiling a formidable 24-player squad for the upcoming African playoffs. The team has officially commenced its training camp in Rabat, Morocco, with players converging from their various clubs across Europe and beyond, aiming to finalize preparations for the crucial semi-final clash against Gabon.

Among the key figures called up by coach Chelle are captain William Troost-Ekong, prolific forward Victor Osimhen, and reliable goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The defensive line sees the inclusion of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, while the midfield is bolstered by the experienced Alex Iwobi (with 89 caps), Frank Onyeka, and Wilfred Ndidi. Upfront, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman are expected to lead the attack. Notably, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke have been recalled to the squad, alongside promising talents like young defender Benjamin Fredericks, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle.

The full squad list reveals a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents ready to represent the nation. Goalkeepers include Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), and Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy). The defenders are William 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), and Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium). Midfielders consist of Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), and Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium). Forwards are Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), and Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).

The Super Eagles convened in Rabat on Monday, November 10th, with several players already reporting to the Rive hotel camp. Among the first arrivals were Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Wilfred Ndidi. The team is set to face Gabon in the first semi-final match on Thursday, November 13th, at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat. The victor of this encounter will then proceed to play either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final playoff on November 16th. The ultimate winner of the African playoffs will earn the right to represent the continent in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026, vying for a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite a turbulent start to their qualification journey, which saw them earn just three points from their initial four matches, the Super Eagles have shown remarkable resilience. Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha expressed his full confidence in the team's ability to qualify, stating that "Once there is a glimmer of hope, of course I will believe." Under coach Eric Chelle, the squad rallied, securing fourteen points from a possible eighteen in their final six games. A crucial late volley from Frank Onyeka on matchday ten sealed their playoff spot, reigniting the nation's World Cup aspirations. Okocha emphasized that the players fully understand the magnitude of the task and the expectations of millions of Nigerians, believing that recent performances reflect a strong desire to correct past mistakes and grow.

Individual players are also intensely focused on the national assignment. Star striker Victor Osimhen, despite a frustrating disallowed goal and a shock defeat with his club Galatasaray, has confirmed his complete shift of focus to the Super Eagles' World Cup playoff campaign. He emerged injury-free from his recent club match and is a crucial asset, with his leadership and goal-scoring prowess being paramount for Nigeria's advancement. Similarly, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who recently concluded his club stint with Udinese with a defeat against AS Roma, is now fully preparing for national duties. Despite not keeping a clean sheet in his final club game, Okoye made important saves and demonstrated resilience, and his experience against top-tier teams will be invaluable as he competes with Stanley Nwabali for the starting goalkeeper position.

With the squad assembled, spirits high, and the crucial playoff matches imminent, the Super Eagles are determined to overcome all challenges and secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making amends for any earlier disappointments.