By Prosper Olayiwola
Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco.
The team features experienced players like Captain William Ekong, ace forward Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey. 
Other notable inclusions are 89-cap midfielder Alex Iwobi, exciting young defender Benjamin Fredericks, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke have also made a comeback to the team.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the first semi-final at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat on Thursday. Defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi will miss the match due to suspension.
Here’s the 24-man squad:
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), 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 (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Forwards:
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)
