Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup now hinge on the 24-man squad that was just unveiled by Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, for the crucial African Qualifying Playoff Tournament in Rabat, Morocco.
In a surprise twist, dynamic forwards Victor Boniface and Paul Onuachu have been left out of the roster that will take on Gabon in what could define Nigeria’s World Cup journey.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong leads a strong defensive lineup that includes Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and emerging star Benjamin Fredericks.
Up front, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen, who spearheads the attack alongside the flair and pace of Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon.
The midfield features experienced campaigners Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka, bolstered by the return of Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi.
Defender Semi Ajayi will miss the Gabon clash through suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in the qualifiers, but he’s expected to rejoin the squad should Nigeria advance to the final.
The players are expected to arrive in Rabat from their respective clubs across Europe and beyond on Monday, November 10, 2025, ahead of the semi-final clash with Gabon on Thursday, November 13 at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan.
In the other semi-final, Cameroon will face DR Congo at the El-Barid Stadium.
The overall winners of the African playoffs will qualify for the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico next year, where the final World Cup slots will be decided.
SUPER EAGLES SQUAD – 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP AFRICA PLAYOFFS
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy).
Defenders: William Troost-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); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chiydera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).
Reporting by Kelechi Bernard