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The Super Eagles of Nigeria converge in Rabat, Morocco, for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff with Gabon. The target is to book a slot for the finals, having missed the 2022 edition. Coach Eric Chelle put the team through fierce preparations in preparation for the semi-final on November 13, 2025.
The Nigeria Football Federation announces the call-up of 23 players for this decisive encounter. Key stars include team captain William Troost-Ekong, who marshals the defense, and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, fresh from strong club performances; all-round midfielder Wilfred Ndidi provides stability, while Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze add flair to the wings.
List Of Players Announced
The early arrival of eighteen players in camp boosts the morale of the team. First to arrive in camp were Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Chukwueze. In come goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie to provide good options in goal. Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Frederick, and Chidozie Awaziem fortify the backline.
Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Akor Adams arrive for attacking duties, while Raphael Onyedika and Bright Osayi-Samuel inject energy into midfield. Wingers are Chidera Ejuke and Zaidu Sanusi, with Bruno Onyemaechi adding versatility.
Three others are still expected to complete the list, including Victor Osimhen. The team begins a training session with emphasis on tactics and physical fitness. Eric Chelle calls for unity and discipline, saying past qualifying setbacks must be put behind them.
The match is set to begin at 5:00 PM WAT, this Thursday, in the neutral venue of Rabat. CAF introduces new rules, including stricter VAR protocols and substitution limits, to ensure fair play. Nigeria comes into the game as favorites, carrying a very strong head-to-head record against Gabon.
History will be on the side of the Super Eagles, who mostly win encounters between these teams convincingly. In the last encounter some months ago in the 2022 qualifiers, Nigeria won 2-0. But the Panthers of Gabon are not a team to be trifled with. Coach Thierry Mouyouma declares his team hungry for glory at the World Cup.
Probable starters include Nwabali in goal; a back four of Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, and Sanusi. Ndidi and Onyedika police midfield, with Iwobi pulling the creative strings while Lookman, Chukwueze, and Osimhen spearhead the offense.
