Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has officially joined the Nigerian squad in Morocco, completing preparations ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon. His arrival provides a much-needed morale boost following earlier disruptions caused by a player protest over unpaid bonuses and social media speculation about “special demands” from captain William Troost-Ekong.

Concerns initially arose as several key players were missing from the training camp at the Rive Hotel in Rabat. However, with Osimhen and Alhassan Yusuf now among the final arrivals, head coach Eric Chelle has his full complement of players. Earlier arrivals included Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Frank Onyeka, forming the core of the squad expected to face Gabon.

While the team’s official channel announced that “the boys are all in and heading to training,” minor clarification followed that Maduka Okoye, the Udinese goalkeeper, was the last player expected to join up with the squad. Despite the limited training time caused by Tuesday’s protest, morale appears high as Nigeria shifts focus entirely to the must-win clash.

The Super Eagles face Gabon on Thursday in Rabat, with the winner progressing to the playoff final on November 16 against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Only the eventual winner of that final will advance to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, offering a final shot at qualifying for the World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Nigeria, three-time African champions, are determined to secure redemption after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Coach Chelle is expected to field a formidable lineup, led by Osimhen in attack alongside Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, with Ndidi and Iwobi anchoring the midfield. The predicted starting XI features Nwabali, Frederick, Ekong (c), Bassey, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen. With Nigeria’s superior squad depth and offensive talent, they head into the encounter as heavy favourites.

However, Gabon’s coach Thierry Mouyouma remains defiant. Speaking ahead of the match, he declared that the underdog tag suits his side perfectly. “We know Nigeria are the favourites, and our status suits us just fine,” Mouyouma said. “Nigeria will be under more pressure, which is understandable. But while we respect them, we’re not afraid. We know the quality of Osimhen and Lookman, and they know us too.” His remarks, coupled with reports of Nigeria’s recent camp unrest, have added further tension to an already charged fixture.