A total of 16 Super Eagles players took part in the team’s first training session on Monday as preparations kicked off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs in Rabat, Morocco, a situation they got themselves into after Victor Osimhen’s hat trick in the 4-nil victory against Benin ensured Nigeria’s World Cup dream has not become a distant memory.
The camp officially opened on Sunday with 10 players and the coaching staff settling in at the Rive Hotel, Rabat, marking the start of what could be a defining week in Nigeria’s journey back to the biggest stage in world football.
Softfootball understands that six more players joined on Monday, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke, bringing the total number in camp to 16. He also confirmed that five others were still expected to arrive later. The team posted a video of the teams training via their official X account.
Watch the video below:
Head coach Eric Chelle had earlier named a 24-man squad over the weekend, blending Europe-based stars with a few standout names from the domestic league for the decisive playoffs in Morocco.
Nigeria will take on Gabon this Thursday in the first leg of the playoffs. A win would see the Super Eagles move into the African playoff final, where they’ll face either Cameroon or DR Congo on November 16, also in Rabat.
The African playoff stage gives teams one last shot at qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though whoever wins here will still have to go through an intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.
Chelle’s latest list saw a few notable changes from October’s qualifiers, where Nigeria overcame Lesotho and Benin to seal a playoff spot as one of the best runners-up. Among the returnees are Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and defender Chidozie Awaziem, while Raphael Onyedika and Chidera Ejuke were recalled to add some spark in midfield and attack.
Meanwhile, Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche were left out of the current squad.
Despite being the highest-ranked team among the four contenders, Chelle has warned his players against complacency, stressing the need for discipline and tactical focus.
Full list of the 16 Super Eagles currently in camp:
Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Frederick, Chidozie Awaziem, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke.
