The Super Eagles of Nigeria are on a critical path toward 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 clubs across Europe and beyond, preparing for the crucial semi-final clash against Gabon.

Key figures called up by coach Chelle include captain William Troost-Ekong, prolific forward Victor Osimhen, and reliable goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The defensive line features Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, while the midfield is strengthened by experienced players Alex Iwobi (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, alongside promising talents like young defender Benjamin Fredericks, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle.

The full squad showcases a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents. Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy). Defenders: 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), 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), Simon Moses (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 convened in Rabat on Monday, November 10th, with several players already reporting to the Rive hotel camp, including Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Wilfred Ndidi. The team faces Gabon in the first semi-final match on Thursday, November 13th, at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan. The winner will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final playoff on November 16th, with the ultimate victor earning the right to compete in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026, vying for a coveted spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite a turbulent start to their qualification journey, earning just three points from their initial four matches, the Super Eagles have shown remarkable resilience. Former captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha expressed full confidence in the team, stating, “Once there is a glimmer of hope, of course I will believe.” Under coach 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.

Individual players are equally focused. Victor Osimhen, despite a frustrating disallowed goal and a recent club defeat with Galatasaray, is fully committed to the Super Eagles’ World Cup playoff campaign. Injury-free and fit, his leadership and goal-scoring prowess are crucial for Nigeria’s advancement. Similarly, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, fresh from a defeat with Udinese, is preparing diligently for national duties. His experience against top-tier teams will be invaluable as he competes with Stanley Nwabali for the starting spot.

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 earlier disappointments.