The Super Eagles are getting ready for a high-stakes showdown as 21 players have now arrived at the team’s camp in Morocco ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.
The Super Eagles kicked off camp on Sunday and held their first training session on Monday, with coach Eric Chelle seeing key players get straight into action.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Benjamin Frederick were all present, joining teammates Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali, and Moses Simon on the pitch.
Other players in camp include Tolu Arokodare, Chidozie Awaziem, Chidera Ejuke, Samuel Chukwueze, Olakunle Olusegun, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Semi Ajayi, Akor Adams, Bruno Onyemaechi, Ademola Lookman, and goalkeeper Amas Obasogie.
Three more players, including Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray, are expected to arrive before Thursday’s match.
The Super Eagles are heading into the game on a confident note after a 4-0 win over the Benin Republic in their last World Cup qualifier in October. Gabon, who will be their opponents, beat Burundi 2-0 in their final qualifier.
Despite a challenging qualification campaign, Nigeria lost only one of their ten Group C matches. Gabon recorded a similar record, losing just once in their qualifiers. Historically, Nigeria has never lost to Gabon in their past two encounters, adding extra optimism for the team and fans.
The winner of Thursday’s match will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final playoff on Sunday. The ultimate victor will earn a spot in the FIFA playoff tournament in March 2026, keeping their World Cup dream alive.
Kick-off is set for 5 p.m. local time at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat.