The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, have officially announced their 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff, marking a significant comeback for Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Key Returns and Squad Composition
Headlining the squad announcement is the return of Maduka Okoye, who has been included following the completion of a two-month suspension related to betting activities. His return bolsters the goalkeeping options alongside Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie.
In another major boost for the team, Chidera Ejuke makes his long-awaited return to the national setup. The Sevilla forward, along with Club Brugge's Raphael Onyedika who has recovered from injury, adds significant depth and quality to the attacking and midfield departments.
The squad is built around a core of established stars who have been instrumental in the team's journey. This includes prolific striker Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray, team captain William Troost-Ekong, and the Fulham duo of Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze.
Road to the World Cup Playoff
All invited players are expected to arrive in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, November 10th, to begin preparations for the crucial semi-final encounter.
Nigeria will face the Panthers of Gabon on Wednesday, November 13th. The high-stakes match will be held at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat.
The winner of this fixture will advance to the final of the playoff, where they will meet either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ultimate victor of that final will secure Africa's single slot in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for next year, keeping their dreams of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup alive.
Full 24-Man Super Eagles Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC).
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC), Simon Moses (Paris FC), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC), Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod).
