Eric Chelle’s squad gears up for crucial Rabat fixtures
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially begun preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs in Rabat, Morocco, with 16 players participating in the team’s first training session on Monday. The camp opened on Sunday with the arrival of ten players and the coaching staff at the Rive Hotel, setting the stage for a decisive week in Nigeria’s quest to return to football’s biggest stage.
According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, six more players joined the camp on Monday, including Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke, bringing the total number of players in training to 16. Five additional players were expected to arrive later that evening to complete the squad.
Coach Eric Chelle, who finalized a 24-man squad last Saturday, has blended a mix of Europe-based stars and domestic talents to give Nigeria the best chance of advancing in the playoffs. The first playoff match against Gabon is scheduled for Thursday in Rabat. A win would see the Super Eagles progress to the African playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16. The ultimate goal is to secure a berth in the intercontinental playoff in March 2026 in Mexico.
Several players from October’s qualifiers have returned, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye of Udinese, defender Chidozie Awaziem, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and forward Chidera Ejuke, all tasked with bolstering Nigeria’s tactical and creative options. Notable absentees from last month’s squad include Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche.
Despite being the highest-ranked team among the four playoff contenders, Chelle has emphasized discipline, tactical precision, and focus as the keys to success. Players like Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong are expected to play pivotal roles as Nigeria targets a return to the global stage.
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