Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifying Playoffs have gathered pace, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali breezing into the team’s Morocco camp early on Monday, Footynaija.com reports.
Nwabali arrived on the back of a positive result for Chippa United, as he kept a clean sheet in the club’s goalless draw with Magesi FC on November 4.
With Nwabali now in camp, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman lead 12 players expected to arrive in Morocco today ahead of Thursday’s clash against Gabon.
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Among those joining camp are defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
The full squad is expected to be on ground before the team’s first full training session on Monday evening.
Twelve players, including captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon, are already in camp. Others include Benjamin Fredrick, Chidozie Awaziem, Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Nwabali, who is likely to start in goal, joined the team in high spirits. Head coach Eric Chelle and his staff are already on ground to oversee training as the squad looks to build momentum for the crucial tie.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the first semifinal at the 68,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with the winner progressing to meet either Cameroon or DR Congo.
Chelle’s focus is on tactical organisation, finishing, and defensive shape as Nigeria seek a return to the World Cup stage after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
