By Gbenga Oresanya
MOROCCO- The Nigerian Senior Men’s National Football Team, the Super Eagles, have officially intensified preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African Playoff semi-final clash against Gabon. As of Tuesday morning, 18 players out of the 24-man squad called up by Head Coach Eric Chelle have reported to the team’s camp in Rabat, Morocco.
The team arrived in Rabat on Sunday, November 9, with a strong contingent of players reporting swiftly from their respective clubs across Europe. The early convergence underscores the team’s focus and determination to secure qualification for the global showpiece after missing the 2022 edition.
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The 18 players currently on the ground and participating in training sessions include:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Captain), Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Benjamin Fredericks, Bright Osayi-Samuel
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun
The team’s official X handle confirmed the influx of players, with several key individuals arriving on Monday and early Tuesday.7 Notable returnees like defender Chidozie Awaziem and midfielder Raphael Onyedika have joined the fold, adding depth to the squad.
The Decisive Playoff Fixture
The Super Eagles are set to face the Panthers of Gabon in a single-leg, sudden-death semi-final.
| Match Details | Information |
| Match: | Nigeria vs. Gabon (CAF Playoff Semi-Final 1) |
| Date & Time: | Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Nigerian Time / 16:00 GMT) |
| Venue: | Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco |
| Significance: | The winner advances to the final to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on November 16. The ultimate winner of the final will progress to the FIFA Inter-confederation Playoffs in March 2026 for a final chance at World Cup qualification. |
The Head Coach, Eric Chelle, is expected to have his full 24-man squad in camp shortly, with players like Victor Osimhen (forward), Maduka Okoye (goalkeeper), Frank Onyeka (midfielder), Alhassan Yusuf (midfielder), Bruno Onyemaechi (defender), and Zaidu Sanusi (defender) expected to complete the roster soon.
The team has commenced tactical training sessions aimed at quickly integrating the foreign-based players and honing the strategy needed to overcome a determined Gabonese side.
