Breaking!!! Adeleye Dropped, Okoye Returns As Eric Chelle Name 24-Man Squad For Curical World Cup Playoffs
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has released a powerful 24-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off encounter against Gabon, with a potential final clash against either DR Congo or Cameroon, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
The list, made public by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), showcases a fine balance of experience and emerging talent as Chelle looks to guide the three-time African champions back to the world stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
In the goalkeeping department, Stanley Nwabali headlines the trio following his consistent displays for both club and country. He is joined by Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie, giving Chelle strong competition for the number-one spot.
The defensive lineup is anchored by experienced campaigners William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, alongside promising names like Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, and Benjamin Fredricks. The unit reflects depth and versatility, offering Chelle several tactical options.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi lead a dynamic group that also includes Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Alhassan Yusuf. Their blend of creativity, composure, and defensive stability will be crucial as Nigeria prepares to dictate play in the middle of the park.
The attack is spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, who returns to lead the line for the Super Eagles. He will be supported by a formidable cast of forwards, including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun, giving Chelle an abundance of firepower and width in attack.
Goalkeepers
Nwabali Stanley
Obasogie Amas
Okoye Maduka
Defenders
Ekong William
Bassey Calvin
Bright-Osayi Samuel
Onyemaechi Bruno
Ajayi Oluwasemilogo
Chidozie Awaziem
Sanusi Zaidu
Fredricks Benjamin
Midfielders
Iwobi Alexander
Onyeka Frank
Ndidi Wilfred
Onyedika Raphael
Yusuf Alhassan
Forwards
Lookman Ademola
Moses Simon
Osimhen Victor
Arokodare Tolu
Ejuke Chidera
Akor Adams
Olakunle Olusegun
Chukwueze Samuel
Nigeria will take on Gabon in the semi-final stage of the African play-offs, with the winner advancing to face DR Congo or Cameroon in the decisive final tie for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Chelle, who recently took charge of the national team, will be eager to make an early statement by leading Nigeria to qualification, restoring confidence among fans, and establishing his tactical philosophy on the continent’s biggest stage.
Oluwayemi Omolagba