Nigeria has unveiled a 24-man squad for the decisive 2026 World Cup playoff clash against Gabon, with Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye making a return after serving a two-month suspension for breaching betting regulations.
Also back in the team are Chidera Ejuke of Sevilla and Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge. Onyedika rejoins the squad after recovering from the injury that sidelined him during the final round of World Cup qualifiers.
The squad retains the core group responsible for Nigeria’s recent progress, including top striker Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), captain William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood), and Fulham pair Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze. Other notable names include Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), and Simon Moses (Paris FC).
The list also features rising stars such as defender Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC) and forwards Akor Adams (Sevilla) and Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
All selected players are expected to arrive in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, November 10. Nigeria will take on Gabon in the playoff semi-final on November 13 at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan. The winner will go on to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final for Africa’s lone spot in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for next year.
Nigeria’s 24-Man Squad for the 2026 World Cup Playoff
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC)
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Simon Moses (Paris FC), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Akor Adams (Sevilla), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod)
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