Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon, set to take place next Thursday.
The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with key players like Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and William Troost-Ekong all making the cut.
Chelle also handed a first-time call-up to Olakunle Olusegun, while Chidera Ejuke, Raphael Onyedika, and Bright Osayi-Samuel earn recalls after impressive club performances.
Nigeria qualified for the playoffs as one of Africa’s best runners-up, and the upcoming clash against the Panthers of Gabon promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Super Eagles aim to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Below is the full list of invited players:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, 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 (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); 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).
The Super Eagles will look to build on their recent form and continue their quest to book a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
