Eric Chelle unveils Nigeria squad for 2026 World Cup African play-offs in Rabat

By Samuel Ahmadu

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has released a 26-man squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifier play-offs holding this month in Rabat, Morocco.

The three-time African champions will face Gabon in the semifinals on November 13, as they bid for a place in the final against either DR Congo or Cameroon three days later.

The high-stakes fixtures will determine one of Africa’s remaining spots for the expanded 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Chelle’s squad features a strong blend of experience and youthful energy, with Stanley Nwabali, returning Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie named as goalkeepers.

In defence, captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Bright Osayi-Samuel lead a solid backline that also includes Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Benjamin Fredricks, and Bruno Onyemaechi.

The midfield boasts a balance of creativity and control with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Alhassan Yusuf all making the list.

Upfront, Chelle can call upon a potent attacking lineup spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun.

The former Mali coach will be taking charge of his first major continental test since his appointment, with expectations high that he can guide Nigeria back to the global stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Full Squad List:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Benjamin Fredricks

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf

Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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