Chelle Names 24-Man Super Eagles Squad for 2026 World Cup Playoffs

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a 24-man squad ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, set to take place later this month in Morocco.

The list features several key regulars, including captain William Troost-Ekong, star striker Victor Osimhen, dependable goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey.

Chelle’s selection also includes midfield stalwarts Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka, alongside exciting prospects such as Benjamin Fredericks and Raphael Onyedika. In attack, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon are expected to provide firepower and creativity.

Notably, Maduka Okoye returns to the squad after a spell on the sidelines, while Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olakunle Olusegun also make the cut.

The players are set to assemble in Rabat on Monday, November 10, ahead of their semi-final clash against Gabon at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan on Thursday.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)

Defenders:

William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Semi 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 (Beşiktaş FC, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Forwards:

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)

Fans React to Squad Announcement

The announcement has sparked lively debate among Nigerian fans. Some expressed concern about the omission of players like Kelechi Iheanacho and Ola Aina, while others questioned the continued inclusion of veterans Troost-Ekong and Nwabali.

User @jeff1993 lamented, “So na like this Kelechi Iheanacho take fade for the team?”, while @Chegesnd asked, “Pls is anything wrong with Ola Aina? Shouldn’t his name be in the list?”

Meanwhile, others voiced optimism. @Trueigbo wished the team success, and @RollinTNDA said confidently, “Even if South African President is the referee, we’ll still beat them black and blue.”

There are also calls for vigilance over match officiating after recent controversies involving South African referees, with fan @Goldrosewine urging the NFF to “act firmly to prevent bias.”

The Super Eagles will be looking to bounce back strongly and secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after a turbulent qualifying campaign.