In a strategic move that has caught the attention of football enthusiasts, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named suspended defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi in Nigeria's 24-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament.
Nigeria's World Cup Playoff Squad Announcement
The Nigerian Football Federation has officially revealed the 24 players selected to represent the nation in the high-stakes World Cup playoff tournament taking place in Rabat, Morocco. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Gabon in their semi-final match on November 13 at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan.
Coach Eric Chelle has assembled a formidable squad comprising players from various European leagues and beyond. All selected players are expected to converge in Rabat by November 10, giving the team three days to prepare for their critical encounter against Gabon.
In the other semi-final matchup, Cameroon will battle the Democratic Republic of Congo at El-Barid Stadium on the same day, with the winners of both matches advancing to the playoff final.
The Surprising Inclusion of Suspended Defender
The most notable selection in Chelle's squad is Hull City defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, commonly known as Semi Ajayi, despite the player being suspended for the Gabon match. Ajayi accumulated two yellow cards during Nigeria's 10-match qualifying campaign, automatically ruling him out of the semi-final encounter.
This decision, while surprising to some, demonstrates Chelle's long-term planning and confidence in Nigeria's ability to progress beyond the Gabon challenge. The coaching staff clearly views Ajayi as an essential component of Nigeria's defensive strategy for the potential final match.
Why Ajayi Remains a Crucial Squad Member
Semi Ajayi has established himself as one of Nigeria's most reliable defensive assets since making his international debut. His leadership qualities and composure under pressure have been instrumental in strengthening the Super Eagles' backline.
Ajayi's importance to the team was evident when he replaced captain William Troost-Ekong in Nigeria's final two qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic. This decision by Chelle highlighted the coach's trust in the defender's capabilities and his growing role within the squad.
According to sources close to the team, Chelle believes Ajayi can organize Nigeria's defense effectively without stress. His experience and calm presence are considered invaluable assets should Nigeria reach the decisive final match of the playoff tournament.
Chelle's strategy emphasizes squad depth and preparedness for all scenarios. By including key players even when they're unavailable for specific matches, the coach ensures that the entire team remains focused on the ultimate objective: securing a spot in the Intercontinental playoffs and keeping Nigeria's 2026 World Cup dreams alive.
Road to World Cup Qualification
Nigeria's journey toward World Cup qualification continues with the Gabon showdown on November 13. A victory would propel the Super Eagles into a final confrontation against either DR Congo or Cameroon. The winner of that final match will advance to the Intercontinental playoffs, maintaining their hopes of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Gabon's head coach Thierry Mouyouma has already issued a warning to the Super Eagles, suggesting that in modern football, the strongest team on paper doesn't always emerge victorious. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a compelling African football spectacle.
As the November 13 clash approaches, all eyes will be on Rabat where Nigeria aims to take the next crucial step toward global football's premier tournament.
