Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers playoff against Gabon, with Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare set to lead the frontline. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye also makes a highly anticipated return to the national team setup.
The roster features several key comebacks, including Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, and Chidera Ejuke — all of whom missed the October international window. Their inclusion bolsters Nigeria’s depth as they aim to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria finished second in Group C of the African qualifiers, advancing to the playoffs as one of the best runners-up. The Super Eagles will now face The Panthers of Gabon in the first semi-final on Thursday, November 13, at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
The winner of that encounter will take on either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final playoff match on Sunday, November 16, at the same venue — a decisive fixture that will determine who books a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Full Super Eagles Squad List:
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie
Defenders:
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards:
Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Toluwalase Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun
With top talents like Osimhen, Ndidi, and Lookman in form, the Super Eagles are poised to make a strong push for World Cup qualification and reclaim their spot among Africa’s footballing elite.
