Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs.
The list was confirmed in a post shared across the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) social media platforms on Saturday.
Nigeria will take on Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on 13 November. The fixture is a must-win for the Super Eagles, as victory would secure them a place in the final play-off round three days later, where they could face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs.
In goal, Chelle named Stanley Nwabali, Obasogie Amas, and Maduka Okoye, the Udinese shot-stopper whose recall had been widely anticipated.
The Port City News (TCPN) earlier reported that many Nigerians had called for Okoye’s return amid growing concerns about Nwabali’s consistency.
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In defence, the coach selected Ekong William, Bassey Calvin, Bright-Osayi Samuel, Onyemaechi Bruno, Ajayi Oluwasemilogo, Chidozie Awaziem, Sanusi Zaidu, and Fredricks Benjamin.
The midfield will feature Iwobi Alexander, Onyeka Frank, Ndidi Wilfred, Onyedika Raphael, and Yusuf Alhassan.
For the attack, Chelle named Lookman Ademola, Moses Simon, Osimhen Victor, Arokodare Tolu, Ejuke Chidera, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun, and Chukwueze Samuel.
Nigeria are seeking a return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2018, having missed out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The play-offs in Rabat will feature four African nations —Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo —competing in two single-leg semi-finals and a one-match final from 13 to 16 November.
The overall winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs, offering a final opportunity to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.Super
