Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced that five essential players will be absent from Nigeria’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff in Morocco, while Samuel Chukwueze’s participation remains uncertain due to injury.
Nigeria is set to compete against Gabon on November 13 in the first match of the playoff mini-tournament. The victor will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final, with the ultimate champion progressing to the intercontinental playoff in March 2026, where two World Cup berths will be determined.
Speaking from France, Chelle revealed that Terem Moffi, Felix Agu, Ola Aina, Cyriel Dessers, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have all been excluded due to various fitness issues.
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“I am aware that we will be missing at least five players: Terem Moffi, Felix Agu, Ola Aina, Cyriel Dessers, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru,” Chelle informed OwnGoal Nigeria.
“We are also uncertain about Samuel Chukwueze’s availability, but we must find a way to compete in these matches because our goal is to qualify for the World Cup.”
The absence of several prominent players poses a considerable challenge for the Super Eagles’ coaching staff, especially in both offensive and defensive roles. The unavailability of Moffi and Dessers may necessitate tactical adjustments in the forward positions, while Aina’s injury creates a gap in the defense.
Despite these challenges, Chelle conveyed his confidence in the squad’s depth and resilience, emphasizing the need for the team to remain focused on qualification. Emerging talents and less experienced players are anticipated to seize opportunities as Nigeria aims to continue its pursuit of a place in the 2026 World Cup.
