Abuja: Sixteen players participated in the Super Eagles’ opening training session on Monday as preparations kicked off for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff campaign in Rabat, Morocco.
The team’s Camp had officially opened on Sunday with the arrival of 10 players and the coaching staff at the Rive Hotel, Rabat, marking the start of a decisive week in Nigeria’s quest to return to the global football stage.
According to Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer, six more players — Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke — arrived on Monday, bringing the number of players in Camp to 16.
Efoghe added that five more players were expected to join later tonight.
Coach Eric Chelle had finalised a 24-man squad on Saturday, featuring a potent mix of Europe-based stars and domestic talents for the decisive playoffs in Morocco.
Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday in the first leg of the playoff match.
A victory would send the Super Eagles into the African playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on Nov. 16, also in Rabat.
The African playoff round offers teams an additional route to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the winner of this stage must still advance to an intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.
Chelle’s current squad includes several changes from October’s qualifiers, where Nigeria defeated Lesotho and Benin to secure a playoff berth as one of the four best runners-up.
Among the returnees are goalkeeper Maduka Okoye of Udinese and defender Chidozie Awaziem.
Midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forward Chidera Ejuke have also been recalled to strengthen the team’s creativity.
Players left out from last month’s list include Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche.
Despite being the highest-ranked team among the four playoff contenders, Chelle has urged his players to remain disciplined and focused, emphasising that tactical precision will be crucial in securing qualification.
Complete list of 16 Super Eagles in Camp: Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong.