The Super Eagles’ training camp officially kicked off on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, with the early arrival of 10 players as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs.
The first batch of players and coaching staff checked into the Rive Hotel, Rabat, on Sunday afternoon, marking the beginning of a crucial phase in the team’s push to secure a spot at the global football tournament.
According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, early arrivals included Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun.
“Later on Sunday, three more players — Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong — joined the squad, bringing the total number to eight. By nightfall, Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem also arrived, making it 10 players in camp,” Efoghe said.
Head coach Eric Chelle had on Saturday unveiled a 24-man list featuring a blend of Europe-based professionals and homegrown talents for the crucial playoff fixtures in Rabat.
The Super Eagles will battle Gabon in their first playoff game on Thursday, with a victory setting up a meeting against either Cameroon or DR Congo on Nov. 16, also in Morocco.
The playoff stage offers African teams another opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though the eventual winner must face an intercontinental opponent in a final playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.
Chelle’s selection includes key returns such as Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, while Chidozie Awaziem bolsters the defence. Raphael Onyedika and Chidera Ejuke are also recalled to strengthen the midfield and attack.
Players who missed out on last month’s qualifiers include Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche.
Ranked highest among the four playoff contenders, Nigeria is tipped to advance, though Chelle has warned his team against complacency, urging focus and tactical discipline.
Nigeria Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, SA), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA).
With preparations in full swing, the Super Eagles aim to maintain their winning form and edge closer to a return to football’s grandest stage.