Nigeria’s 24-Man Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-Off Tournament
Nigeria has announced its 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-Off Tournament, set to take place in Rabat, Morocco. The team includes several key players who will be crucial in the competition.
Captain William Ekong, star forward Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey have all been named in the squad. These experienced players will play a vital role in the team’s strategy as they aim to secure a spot in the World Cup.
Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle has also included 89-cap midfielder Alex Iwobi, young defender Benjamin Fredericks, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman. Their inclusion highlights the balance between experience and emerging talent within the squad.
The tournament will see Nigeria face Gabon in the first semi-final, which is scheduled to take place at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, a venue with a capacity of 22,000. Meanwhile, Cameroon will confront the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other semi-final at the El-Barid Stadium, which can accommodate 18,000 spectators, also located in Rabat.
Chelle has also recalled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke. Additionally, midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle are part of the final list. These players bring a mix of international experience and fresh energy to the team.
However, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi will miss the clash with Gabon due to a one-game suspension after accumulating two yellow cards during the 10-match qualifying campaign. His absence will be felt, but the team has other strong options to fill his role.
The players are expected to fly into Morocco from their various bases in Europe and other regions, converging in Rabat on Monday, 10th November. This preparation period will be essential for the team to build cohesion and fine-tune their strategies ahead of the crucial matches.
Squad Breakdown
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)