Nigeria Announces 24-Man Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup African Playoffs
The Nigerian national football team, known as the Super Eagles, has officially unveiled a 24-man squad for the upcoming African playoff tournament in Rabat, Morocco, as part of the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Head coach Eric Chelle has assembled a blend of experienced players and promising young talents ahead of a crucial semi-final match against Gabon.
Captain William Ekong will lead the squad, which boasts key players such as Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey. The midfield features notable names including Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka, while the imposing forward line includes rising stars Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman, both of whom are expected to make significant contributions in the tournament.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon on Thursday at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, a stadium that accommodates 22,000 fans. The other semi-final matchup will see Cameroon take on the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 18,000-capacity El-Barid Stadium, also located in Rabat.
In preparation for the playoffs, Coach Chelle has recalled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke. The squad also includes Raphael Onyedika, Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle. However, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi will be unavailable for the Gabon clash due to a suspension after receiving two yellow cards during the qualifying rounds.
Players are scheduled to arrive in Morocco on Monday, November 10th, flying in from their respective clubs across Europe and beyond to join their teammates for final preparations.
Full 24-Man Super Eagles Squad:
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 are aiming to secure their place in the World Cup and will look to leverage their diverse squad to achieve success in the upcoming matches.
