Nigeria announce squad for 2026 World Cup playoff vs. Gabon

Nigeria have officially confirmed the players included in the final squad selection for the 2026 World Cup playoff vs Gabon.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have unveiled a 24-man squad for their 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff clash against Gabon scheduled for November 2025, with head coach Eric Chelle opting to retain the core group of players who secured the team’s qualification from the previous round.

The three-time African champions are set to take on the Panthers in a one-leg semi-final encounter at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday, November 13.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye makes his return to the squad after completing a two-month suspension from football activities in Italy, which kept him out of action during the September and October international fixtures.

Who are Nigeria’s players for the 2026 World Cup Playoffs?

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)
• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
• Semi Ajayi (Hull City FC, England)
• Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France)
• Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
• Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)

Midfielders

• Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
• Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
• Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)

 Forwards

• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
• Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England)
• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
• Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
• Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium)
• Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)
• Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
• Olakunle Olusegun (Pari NN, Russia)