The Super Eagles’ camp officially opened on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, with the arrival of 10 players as Nigeria began final preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs.
The first batch of players and officials checked into the Rive Hotel, Rabat, on Sunday afternoon, marking the start of what could be a decisive week in Nigeria’s quest to return to football’s biggest stage.
According to the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, early arrivals included Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun.
“Later on Sunday, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong joined the camp, bringing the number to eight,” Efoghe said.
“By nightfall, Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem also checked in, raising the total number of players in camp to ten.”
Coach Eric Chelle on Saturday confirmed his 24-man squad for the playoffs, naming a mix of Europe-based stars and standout local talents for the decisive fixtures in Rabat.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon in their first playoff match on Thursday. A win will take them into the African playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, also in the Moroccan capital.
The playoff series provides African teams with another path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though the eventual winner must still play in an intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.
Chelle’s latest squad features notable adjustments from last month’s qualifiers, where Nigeria defeated Lesotho and Benin, finishing as one of the four best runners-up to earn a playoff slot.
Maduka Okoye of Udinese returns to strengthen the goalkeeping unit, while Chidozie Awaziem reclaims his spot in defence. Raphael Onyedika and Chidera Ejuke have also been recalled to boost midfield creativity and attacking options.
Players Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche were not included in the current roster.
Nigeria, the highest-ranked team among the four playoff contenders, are widely seen as favourites to advance, but Chelle has urged caution, stressing the need for focus, discipline, and tactical precision.
Nigeria Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Defenders:
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
Forwards:
Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Olakunle Olusegun (Nizhny Novgorod, Russia), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France).
