Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has announced his 24-man Super Eagles squad for next week’s crucial World Cup playoff against Gabon, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading a strong attack line, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) unveiled the list on Saturday morning via the team’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. The match will be played on November 13 in Morocco, with the winner facing either Cameroon or DR Congo three days later for a place in the next qualifying stage.
Chelle, who continues to shape the identity of his Super Eagles, has largely kept faith with his tested regulars.
There are no shocks in goal, as Stanley Nwabali keeps his place despite recent inconsistency. Maduka Okoye also returns to the squad after serving a two-month suspension at Udinese, adding experience and depth to Nigeria’s goalkeeping options.
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Super Eagles: Troost-Ekong leads defence as Osimhen anchors star-studded attack
Captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the defensive setup, joined by Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Benjamin Fredrick. Although Semi Ajayi will miss the first leg due to suspension, he remains in the squad and will be available should Nigeria progress to the playoff final.
In midfield, Chelle has gone for power and stability, with Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka forming the core. Their blend of creativity, pressing, and experience is expected to be vital against a combative Gabonese side.
Up front, Osimhen remains Nigeria’s attacking focal point. He will be supported by Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, and Samuel Chukwueze.
One of the more interesting inclusions is Chidera Ejuke, who earns a recall to the national team for the first time since October 2024 following a strong run of form with Sevilla. His pace and direct play could give Chelle extra width and unpredictability in attack.
However, Paul Onuachu’s omission is a surprise. Despite being the top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig, the Trabzonspor striker has again been left out, as Chelle continues to favour forwards suited to his high-pressing system.
Elsewhere, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, and Kelechi Iheanacho all miss out through injury, limiting Chelle’s rotation options.
Nigeria and Gabon have met five times competitively, with Nigeria winning three, Gabon once, and one draw. Their last clash, in March 2005, saw Julius Aghahowa and Nwankwo Kanu secure a 2-0 win for the Super Eagles.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Oluwasemilogo 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 Fredricks (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), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)