World Cup Playoffs: Eric Chelle Names Strong 24-Man Squad for Nigeria vs Gabon
- Super Eagles Eric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon
- The Nigeria national team is targeting Africa’s sole Intercontinental playoff ticket after missing out on automatic qualification
- Nigeria will face Gabon on November 13, with the winner meeting DR Congo or Cameroon for a spot in the Intercontinental playoffs
The Nigeria national team coach, Eric Chelle, has named a formidable 24-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against the Panthers of Gabon.
The Super Eagles are aiming to secure Africa’s sole ticket for the Intercontinental playoffs after failing to claim an automatic ticket to the World Cup.
Source: Getty Images
The squad announcement, made on Saturday, November 8, saw a blend of experienced players and emerging talents as Chelle looks to balance stability with fresh energy for the high-stakes game.
Eric Chelle has announced squad for Gabon
Leading the squad are Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, both pivotal figures in Nigeria’s attack.
Sevilla star Chidera Ejuke, makes a return to the team for the first time since October 2024, while captain William Troost-Ekong is expected to anchor the defence.
Coach Eric Chelle also recalled Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who returned to action for his club last month, after completing a three-month suspension due to a betting scandal.
Suspended Hull City defender Semi Ajayi has also been included in the squad, though he will miss the Gabon clash after receiving his second booking in the qualifiers against Benin.
Ajayi will be eligible for the final of the playoffs should Nigeria advance.
Notable omissions from Eric Chelle’s list
There were a few surprise absences, including on loan Inter Milan midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, who was tipped to earn his first call-up to the national team, but picked up an injury yesterday, November 7, while in action for Serie A club Pisa in their 1-0 win against Cremonese.
Source: Getty Images
Turkish Super Lig second top scorer this season, Paul Onuachu of Trabzonspor, was also left out of the squad, despite scoring seven goals already this season.
There was also no spot for on-loan Crystal Palace star Uche Chrisantus.
Full list of players invited below:
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye
Defenders
William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Benjamin Fredricks
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf
Forwards
Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Olusegun Olakunle, Samuel Chukwueze
Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday, November 13, and the winner will square up against the winner of DR Congo vs Cameroon in the final on Sunday, November 16, for Africa's sole ticket to the Intercontinental playoffs. All games will be played in Morocco.
Chelle prepares for AFCON with WC Playoffs
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle believes that a win during the 2025 FIFA World Cup playoffs will inspire Nigeria ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
According to Chelle, the possibilities of Nigeria playing two straight matches during the World Cup playoffs in Morocco will give the Super Eagles a fair advantage over every team ahead of AFCON.
Source: Legit.ng
