Super Eagles in camp
Super Eagles of Nigeria opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoff preparations on Monday, with 16 players participating in the team’s first training session in Rabat, Morocco.
The team’s camp officially opened on Sunday following the arrival of 10 players and the coaching crew at the Rive Hotel, Rabat, signalling the start of a crucial week as Nigeria pushes to reclaim its spot on the global football stage.
According to the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, six more players — Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke — joined camp on Monday, raising the total to 16.
Efoghe added that five additional players were expected later in the night to complete the squad.
Head coach Eric Chelle had on Saturday released a 24-man list blending European-based stars with promising homegrown talents for the high-stakes playoffs in Morocco.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the opening playoff fixture on Thursday, with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the African playoff final against either Cameroon or DR Congo on November 16, also in Rabat.
The playoffs present an extra pathway for African teams to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the winner of this stage must still advance to an intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.
Chelle’s latest roster reflects a few tactical adjustments from the squad that defeated Lesotho and Benin Republic in October to secure a playoff berth as one of the continent’s top four runners-up.
Among those returning to the lineup are goalkeeper Maduka Okoye of Udinese and defender Chidozie Awaziem, while Raphael Onyedika and Chidera Ejuke have been recalled to bolster the midfield and attack.
However, Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche were left out of the current squad.
Despite Nigeria being the highest-ranked side among the four playoff contenders, Coach Chelle cautioned his players against complacency.
> “We must stay disciplined and focused. Every match at this stage demands total commitment and tactical precision,” Chelle reportedly said.
Players Currently in Super Eagles Camp
Calvin Bassey
Alex Iwobi
Samuel Chukwueze
Tolu Arokodare
Olakunle Olusegun
Wilfred Ndidi
Moses Simon
William Troost-Ekong
Benjamin Frederick
Chidozie Awaziem
Amas Obasogie
Stanley Nwabali
Semi Ajayi
Ademola Lookman
Akor Adams
Chidera Ejuke
