Nigeria and Gabon meet in a high tension World Cup playoff in Rabat, a match that has already been described across African media as a defining test for Eric Chelle and his players, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles arrive with confidence after their strong finish in the qualifying round, including the commanding victory over Benin where Victor Osimhen delivered a hat trick.
The fixture vs the Panthers places attention on Nigeria’s highest valued players, a group drawn from Europe’s top leagues and backed by an impressive combined value of more than two hundred million euros.
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Below is the Super Eagles most expensive XI with each player carrying a story that brings Nigeria into this playoff.
11. Stanley Nwabali – €650k (Chippa United, South Africa)
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has cemented his place as Nigeria’s number one since his outstanding AFCON 2023 campaign. Representing Chippa United in South Africa, Nwabali was instrumental in keeping clean sheets during the qualifiers, notably in the 2-0 victory against Rwanda and the 4-0 win over Benin. His calm presence and improved distribution have made him one of Eric Chelle’s most trusted figures between the posts.
10. William Troost-Ekong – €1.5m (Al Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
At 32, the Super Eagles captain remains one of the most experienced defenders in African football. Playing for Al Kholood in Saudi Arabia, he completed more than thirty league matches last season with two goals, and he has already featured several times in the current campaign.
With more than 80 and 8 goals for Nigeria, his leadership has shaped the tone of recent qualifiers, especially after publicly praising the team’s spirit in the win over Benin. His organisation of the back line, reading of danger and calming presence continue to make him a guiding figure for the squad.
9. Zaidu Sanusi – €2.00m (FC Porto, Portugal)
Zaidu, 28, remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent defenders. Despite battling injuries earlier in the campaign, the FC Porto man returned to feature in later qualifiers. His pace and recovery ability make him valuable in transitions, and he provides experience in a defence that has seen several changes during the qualification series.
8. Bruno Onyemaechi – €2.70m (Boavista, Portugal)
Onyemaechi provides depth on the left side of defence, combining his ability to play as full back or centre back. Playing for Greek Super League side Olympiakos, the 26-year-old remains an option that Chelle may turn to for balance, especially against pace on the flanks.
7. Akor Adams – €5.00m (Sevilla, Spain)
At 25, the Sevilla striker is steadily growing into one of Nigeria’s most powerful attacking options. He comes into this stage of the campaign with improving confidence after scoring twice in La Liga this season, along with one assist. Adams already has two caps and one goal for the Super Eagles, and his call-up in October highlighted how much Eric Chelle values his presence. His strength, movement and direct playing style make him a real danger whenever he appears in the final third.
6. Frank Onyeka – €7.00m (Brentford, England)
At 27, Onyeka has been a reliable presence in the Super Eagles’ midfield. With over thirty caps, his ability to cover ground and link play stands out. He played key roles in both legs against Rwanda and Benin, scoring in the home game against the Cheetahs, anchoring the midfield alongside Ndidi, and helping shield the defence from quick counter-attacks.
5. Wilfred Ndidi – €12.00m (Beşiktaş, Turkey)
Ndidi has been central to Nigeria’s qualifying journey, forming a dependable partnership with Alex Iwobi in the middle. The 28-year-old Beşiktaş vice captain remains the heartbeat of Nigeria’s midfield. His tackling, aerial duels, and ability to initiate attacks from deep positions have restored stability to Eric Chelle’s setup. Ndidi’s leadership and consistency are expected to be central to Nigeria’s game plan against Gabon.
4. Alex Iwobi – €28.00m (Fulham, England)
The 29-year-old Fulham midfielder has been one of Nigeria’s most creative outlets. Operating either on the flank or centrally, Iwobi’s control and passing have been vital throughout the qualifiers. His maturity and Premier League experience give the Super Eagles an added dimension in attack.
3. Calvin Bassey – €28.00m (Fulham, England)
Bassey, 25, continues to solidify his reputation as one of Nigeria’s top defenders. Partnering with Fredrick or playing at left-back, his strength and ball-carrying ability have been key in the qualifiers. The Fulham defender was outstanding in the home win against Rwanda, where he helped keep a clean sheet and initiated several attacking sequences from deep.
2. Ademola Lookman – €40.00m (Atalanta, Italy)
At 28, the Atalanta forward remains one of Africa’s most exciting players. Lookman was suspended for the final qualifier against Benin due to accumulated yellow cards, but he had already made his mark earlier in the campaign with crucial goals and assists. Named African Player of the Year 2024, his creativity and dribbling flair make him a constant threat to opposing defences.
1. Victor Osimhen – €75.00m (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Leading the line is 26-year-old Victor Osimhen, the talisman of the Super Eagles and Africa’s most valuable player. The Galatasaray striker was instrumental during Nigeria’s qualifying journey, netting a hat-trick in the emphatic 4-0 victory over Benin.
His leadership, pressing, and unrelenting drive have made him a symbol of hope ahead of the Gabon clash. As the Super Eagles prepare for Rabat, all eyes will once again be on Osimhen to deliver.
