World Cup playoffs: Nwabali set to face competition as Maduka returns for Super Eagles

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced his 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon, recalling five key players for the important fixture in Rabat, Morocco.

The Super Eagles are set to gather in Morocco this weekend ahead of the decisive match. The squad features star forwards Victor Osimhen and reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, who will lead the line for Nigeria.

Chelle has also brought back several players who were absent during the October international window. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke have all been included in the roster.

The playoff match against Gabon's Panthers will take place in Rabat, with potential venues being the 18,000-seat El-Barid Stadium or the 22,000-capacity Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex. The final is scheduled to be held at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan.

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)

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)

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)