Nigeria’s Super Eagles are ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Morocco, with Head Coach Eric Chelle announcing a 24-man squad that blends seasoned leaders and exciting young talent.
Captain William Ekong will marshal the defense alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is set to guard the posts. In attack, star forward Victor Osimhen leads the line, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Spain-based Chidera Ejuke.
Midfield strength comes from experienced Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika, complemented by emerging defender Benjamin Fredericks. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, along with forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle, round out the squad.
Defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi will miss the semi-final against Gabon due to suspension, having accumulated two yellow cards during the qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to arrive in Rabat on Monday, November 10, ahead of their semi-final clash with Gabon at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan. Cameroon will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other semi-final at the 18,000-capacity El-Barid Stadium.
Nigeria 24-Man Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa Play-Off:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Wolves, England), Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)
