Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has officially announced his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs, with the first semi-final scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, SportPremi reports.
The list, released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), features notable returns as Maduka Okoye, Raphael Onyedika, and Bright Osayi-Samuel make their way back into the national setup.
It also marks the first call-up for Chidera Ejuke since October 2024, adding fresh options to the team’s lineup.
Players are expected to arrive in Rabat on November 10, 2025, where full camp training will begin before the semi-final clash against Gabon on November 13. Coaching staff and technical officials will travel from Nigeria directly to Morocco.
Full Super Eagles Squad List
Goalkeepers:
• Stanley Nwabali
• Maduka Okoye
• Amas Obasogie
Defenders:
• William Ekong
• Calvin Bassey
• Bright Osayi-Samuel
• Bruno Onyemaechi
• Semi Ajayi
• Chidozie Awaziem
• Zaidu Sanusi
• Benjamin Fredricks
Midfielders:
• Alex Iwobi
• Frank Onyeka
• Wilfred Ndidi
• Raphael Onyedika
• Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards:
• Victor Osimhen
• Ademola Lookman
• Moses Simon
• Samuel Chukwueze
• Chidera Ejuke
• Akor Adams
• Tolu Arokodare
• Olakunle Olusegun
Nigeria’s Focus on Qualification
Nigeria enters the playoff stage unbeaten in their last five games, coming off a commanding 4–0 win over Benin Republic.
Chelle’s side has looked balanced and confident, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon leading the attack.
The head coach recently emphasized the importance of team chemistry and performance consistency over experimentation, saying his player tracking system monitors “around 80 players weekly” to ensure the best options are selected.
Victor Osimhen’s red-hot form continues to inspire confidence ahead of the playoffs. The Galatasaray striker recently scored a hat-trick in the Champions League and now has six goals in his last three matches across all competitions.
What’s Next
Nigeria will begin their playoff campaign in Morocco on November 13, facing Gabon in the semi-final. A win would see the Super Eagles advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final playoff on November 16, also in Rabat.
The winner of that match will qualify for the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, offering one last opportunity to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
