Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a strong 24-man Super Eagles squad for next week’s decisive World Cup playoff against Gabon, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Chidera Ejuke among the top names expected to lead the charge.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made the official announcement on Saturday morning through the team’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account. The playoff will be played on November 13 in Morocco, with the winner set to face either Cameroon or DR Congo three days later for a place in the next qualifying stage.
Coach Chelle retained the core of his trusted regulars, saying the decision was aimed at maintaining team balance and consistency. “We have built a strong group and the players understand our style. This is a crucial game, and we need focus and commitment,” he stated.
Stanley Nwabali keeps his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, despite recent criticism over his form. Maduka Okoye, who recently completed a suspension at Udinese, returns to boost competition in the goalkeeping department alongside Amas Obasogie.
Captain William Troost-Ekong will marshal the defence, supported by Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Bruno Onyemaechi. Although Semi Ajayi is suspended for the first leg, he remains part of the squad and could feature in the next round should Nigeria advance.
In midfield, Chelle has opted for a blend of strength and creativity, featuring Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika. The coach expressed confidence in the group’s ability to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game.
Leading the attack is Victor Osimhen, who will be flanked by Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze. Excitement also surrounds the recall of Chidera Ejuke, who returns to the national team after more than a year, following impressive performances with Sevilla in Spain.
“Ejuke has earned his place. His pace and direct play will give us more attacking options,” Chelle added.
One notable omission from the list is Paul Onuachu, the top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig. The decision raised eyebrows among fans, but insiders say Chelle prefers forwards who can press high and adapt quickly to his tactical system.
Injury has ruled out Kelechi Iheanacho, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Ola Aina, dealing a slight blow to Chelle’s rotation plans.
Nigeria and Gabon share a competitive history, having met five times, with Nigeria claiming three wins, Gabon one, and one match ending in a draw. Their last encounter in March 2005 ended 2–0 in favour of the Super Eagles, courtesy of goals from Julius Aghahowa and Nwankwo Kanu.
The Super Eagles are expected to begin their final preparations in Morocco on Monday ahead of the high-stakes clash.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania).
Defenders: William Troost-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 Fredricks (Dender FC, Belgium).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA).
Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).
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