Nigeria Coach Sticks With Core Group for Crucial World Cup Playoff
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his 24-man squad for the critical 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match against Gabon, sparking immediate debate with several surprising omissions. While established stars like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and William Troost-Ekong have been included, the exclusion of four prominent players has raised eyebrows among Nigerian football enthusiasts.
Key Players Shockingly Left Out of Super Eagles Squad
The most notable absentees from Chelle's selection include an Inter Milan talent and a prolific Turkish league striker. Here are the four major players who failed to make the final cut:
Paul Onuachu, the Trabzonspor striker who has netted seven goals in the Turkish Super Lig this season, represents perhaps the most puzzling exclusion. Reports suggest Chelle prefers a mobile, high-pressing attacking system that doesn't suit Onuachu's traditional target-man style.
Ola Aina's absence was somewhat expected as the Nottingham Forest defender continues recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during September's World Cup qualifiers. The coaching staff has decided not to risk the full-back, prioritizing his long-term fitness.
Victor Boniface finds himself excluded following a difficult period with Werder Bremen, where the former Bayer Leverkusen forward has struggled to find scoring form this season.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, the Inter Milan midfielder currently on loan at Serie A side Pisa, has been overlooked despite making seven league appearances this campaign. His omission is particularly surprising given earlier reports that Chelle was monitoring the young talent.
Continuity the Theme in Chelle's Selection Strategy
Eric Chelle has largely maintained faith in the core group that has served him throughout the qualification campaign. In goal, Stanley Nwabali retains his position despite recent inconsistent performances, while Maduka Okoye returns after serving his suspension at Udinese.
The midfield features familiar faces including Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka, whose combination of physical presence and tactical awareness will be vital against an athletic Gabon side.
Up front, Victor Osimhen remains the undisputed focal point of Nigeria's attack, supported by Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Tolu Arokodare. The squad sees one fresh face in Chidera Ejuke, who earns his recall following impressive form with Sevilla.
High Stakes Battle in Morocco
Nigeria faces Gabon on November 13 in Morocco with the winner advancing to face either Cameroon or DR Congo three days later for a place in the final playoff stage. Historical statistics favor the Super Eagles, who have recorded three wins, one loss, and one draw in five previous meetings with Gabon.
Their last encounter in 2005 ended in a 2-0 victory for Nigeria, with Julius Aghahowa and Nwankwo Kanu on the scoresheet. However, the current stakes are significantly higher—a victory keeps Nigeria's World Cup dreams alive, while defeat would eliminate them from contention for the 2026 tournament.
As the crucial match approaches, all eyes will be on whether Chelle's decision to stick with his trusted regulars while omitting in-form players like Onuachu and Akinsanmiro will pay dividends for the Super Eagles' World Cup aspirations.
