Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff encounter against Gabon, with star striker Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare set to lead the frontline, while goalkeeper Maduka Okoye returns to the team after a spell out.
The list, released on Friday, features the comeback of several key players who missed the October international window, including Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, and Chidera Ejuke of Sevilla.
Nigeria, who advanced to the playoff stage after finishing second in Group C of the African qualifiers and ranking among the best runners-up, will 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 the encounter will meet either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final scheduled for Sunday, November 16, at the same venue.
Below is the full 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 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
Chelle is expected to begin preparations in Rabat early next week as the Super Eagles aim to secure a return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
