Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has released a 25-man squad for the Super Eagles’ high-stakes World Cup playoff against Gabon, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman spearheading the attack, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the list on Saturday morning via the team’s official X handle. The first leg will take place in Morocco on November 13, while the winner will meet either Cameroon or DR Congo three days later in the final playoff round.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali retains his place despite inconsistent club and national tea.lm form, while Maduka Okoye returns after a two-month suspension with Udinese.
Presenting the #SuperEagles squad for the FIFA World Cup Playoffs in Morocco! #SoarSuperEagles #Naija4TheWin #FIFAWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/wPD6UKo2KS
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 8, 2025
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Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the defence alongside Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Benjamin Fredrick. Semi Ajayi, though suspended for the Gabon tie, has been included in anticipation of Nigeria advancing.
Midfield options include Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka, offering a balanced mix of creativity, control, and defensive steel.
Up front, Osimhen leads a dynamic attack supported by Akor Adams, Moses Simon, Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, and Samuel Chukwueze. Chidera Ejuke’s recall, his first since October 2024, adds flair to the flanks following his recent form with Sevilla.
A notable omission is Paul Onuachu, currently Turkey’s top scorer, with Chelle once again favouring strikers capable of fitting his high-press system. Injuries to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, and Kelechi Iheanacho further trimmed the selection pool.
Historically, Nigeria hold the upper hand over Gabon, winning three of their five competitive meetings. Their last encounter, a 2-0 victory in March 2005, saw Julius Aghahowa and Nwankwo Kanu on the scoresheet.
With qualification hopes on the line, Chelle’s men will look to blend experience and tactical discipline to overcome Gabon and move a step closer to the World Cup.
Super Eagles Full Squad
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)
