World Cup Playoffs: Okoye, Onyedika Return As Chelle Unveils 24-Man Super Eagles Squad For Gabon Showdown

The World Cup Playoffs are fast approaching, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles have named a strong 24-man squad as they prepare to face Gabon in a crucial encounter. Head Coach Eric Chelle has recalled key players Maduka Okoye and Raphael Onyedika, whose return is expected to give the team a major boost. The World Cup Playoffs will take place in Rabat, Morocco, with Nigeria determined to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Among the standout names in the World Cup Playoffs squad are team captain William Troost-Ekong, star striker Victor Osimhen, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey also make the list, adding experience and strength to Nigeria’s backline. Midfield dynamo Alex Iwobi, who boasts 89 international caps, leads a solid midfield unit that includes Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka. In attack, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze will spearhead the offensive charge, bringing pace and creativity to the frontline. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) publish on their X handle.

Coach Eric Chelle’s selection highlights a blend of youth and experience, aiming to strike the right balance for the high-stakes World Cup Playoffs. Notably, the return of Maduka Okoye between the posts offers reliable goalkeeping depth, while Raphael Onyedika’s inclusion adds stability and energy to the midfield. Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke also makes a comeback, alongside promising strikers Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle, all eager to make their mark on the international stage.

The World Cup Playoffs semi-final match against Gabon is set for the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Thursday. On the same day, Cameroon will battle the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second semi-final at the 18,000-capacity El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat. The winners of both matches will move a step closer to clinching one of Africa’s coveted spots in the global tournament.

However, Nigeria will have to make do without defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards during the 10-match qualifying campaign. His absence may be felt in defence, but Chelle remains confident in the depth and versatility of his squad.

According to team sources, the players are expected to arrive in Morocco from their various club bases across Europe and other regions by Monday, November 10. Once in Rabat, they will begin full training sessions ahead of the crucial encounter with Gabon.

The World Cup Playoffs present an important test for Coach Chelle and his team. After a series of mixed performances in recent months, the Super Eagles are eager to restore their dominance on the continent. The inclusion of players like Okoye, Onyedika, and Ejuke signals Chelle’s intent to field a dynamic and competitive squad capable of handling the pressure of knockout football.

With Nigeria’s rich history in world football and the burning desire to return to the grandest stage, the World Cup Playoffs clash against Gabon is more than just a match—it’s a mission. For Chelle, it’s a chance to prove his tactical mettle, and for the players, an opportunity to reaffirm the Super Eagles’ status as one of Africa’s elite teams.

24 SUPER EAGLES FOR 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP AFRICA PLAY-OFF TOURNAMENT

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoya (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)