Okoye, Ejuke Returns As Chelle Names Super Eagles Squad For 2026 World Cup Play-Offs

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has released a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs in Morocco.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and winger Chidera Ejuke are among the major names returning to the team, according to a Saturday update from the Nigeria Football Federation.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final on November 13 at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

A win would see them advance to the final three days later to take on either Cameroon or DR Congo for a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs.

Maduka Okoye’s return was widely expected. The Udinese goalkeeper is back in the national setup for the first time since June following impressive performances in Serie A.

The 26-year-old, who recently regained his place as Udinese’s first-choice keeper after serving a suspension in July, was outstanding in last week’s win that ended Atalanta’s unbeaten run.

His recall comes amid questions over Stanley Nwabali’s recent form.

In defence, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, and Semi Ajayi have been included.

Osayi-Samuel, who missed the last international window due to injury, has fully recovered and is back playing regularly for Birmingham City.

Ajayi will miss the semi-final through suspension but remains in the squad, while Awaziem returns after a short absence. Captain William Troost-Ekong and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey also retain their spots.

The midfield remains largely unchanged, with Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, and Alex Iwobi keeping their places.

Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika returns after recovering from a hamstring injury. His strong performance against Barcelona recently has boosted his stock, and his return adds depth to Nigeria’s midfield, especially with Christantus Uche and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru unavailable.

Chidera Ejuke’s recall marks his first national team appearance since October 2024. The Sevilla winger, who last played for Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, has impressed in La Liga this season with his energy and creativity. His return could give the attack a fresh edge alongside Victor Osimhen, who leads the forward line.

Other attacking options include reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and Olakunle Olusegun, giving Chelle multiple choices across both flanks and central positions.

Paul Onuachu and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro are the most notable absentees.

Onuachu, currently one of Europe’s top-scoring Nigerians with seven league goals for Trabzonspor, was widely expected to make the cut, especially given Nigeria’s thin forward options.

Akinsanmiro, on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, also misses out despite earning praise for his recent Serie A performances.

Nigeria is aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2018 after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

The Rabat play-offs, running from November 13 to 16, will feature four teams — Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo — battling in single-leg semi-finals and a one-match final.

The overall winner will move on to the inter-confederation play-offs for a final shot at the 2026 tournament in North America.

Full 24-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy).

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender, Belgium).

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium).

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolves, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).

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