Super Eagles open their World Cup playoff camp in Rabat with 10 players as Nigeria intensify preparations for a decisive clash against Gabon.
Super Eagles preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoffs have officially kicked off in Rabat, Morocco, with ten players already in camp as of Sunday evening. The early arrivals mark the start of a decisive phase in Nigeria’s bid to return to the global football stage.
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The first batch of players and team officials touched down at the Rive Hotel in Rabat on Sunday afternoon, setting the tone for what could prove a pivotal week in the Super Eagles’ campaign. According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, early arrivals included Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Later in the day, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and captain William Troost-Ekong joined up with the squad, before Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem checked in by nightfall. This brought the total number of players in camp to ten, with the rest expected to arrive before Monday’s training session.
Coach Eric Chelle, who confirmed his 24-man list on Saturday, has named a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents for the crucial playoff fixtures. Nigeria face Gabon in the first leg on Thursday, with victory securing a spot in the African playoff final against either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on 16 November, also in Rabat.
The stakes are high: the playoff round offers Africa’s top sides another route to the 2026 World Cup, though the eventual winner must still navigate a final intercontinental playoff in Mexico next March.
Chelle’s squad sees the return of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and defender Chidozie Awaziem, while midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Chidera Ejuke are recalled to add depth and flair. Notably, Felix Agu, Terem Moffi, and Christantus Uche miss out this time around.
Nigeria, the highest-ranked team among the four playoff contenders, are widely regarded as favourites to advance. Yet Chelle has urged focus and humility, warning that “talent alone won’t win these matches — discipline and precision will.”
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With spirits high and competition fierce, the Super Eagles will hope their renewed intensity in Rabat translates into victory and brings them one step closer to reclaiming their place on football’s biggest stage.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
