Okoye returns as Super Eagles unveil 24-man squad for 2026 World cup playoff against Gabon
Story by Okafor Vivian
After weeks of speculation, the wait is finally over the Super Eagles have named a 24-man squad for their all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff showdown with the Panthers of Gabon, with a few surprises and some familiar faces back in the mix.
One of the biggest talking points is the return of Maduka Okoye, the Udinese shot-stopper, who is making his comeback after serving a two-month suspension for breaching betting regulations. The 25-year-old’s recall signals renewed faith in his abilities as Nigeria look to strengthen their backline for the high-stakes encounter.
Also returning to the fold are Chidera Ejuke, the dynamic Sevilla winger whose flair and creativity have been missed, and Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge, back in contention after an injury kept him out of the final phase of the qualifiers.
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As expected, Nigeria’s regular stars headline the list Victor Osimhen, fresh off a fine run with Galatasaray; skipper William Troost-Ekong; Fulham’s midfield maestro Alex Iwobi; and attacking threats Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon all make the cut.
There’s also room for fresh legs and rising stars such as Benjamin Fredericks, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun, showing coach Finidi George’s intent to blend experience with youthful hunger.
The squad will assemble in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, November 10, to begin final preparations for the crucial semi-final fixture.
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Nigeria will lock horns with Gabon on Wednesday, November 13, at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat. The stakes couldn’t be higher victory would send the Super Eagles to a decisive playoff final against either Cameroon or DR Congo, with Africa’s lone ticket to the intercontinental playoff up for grabs.
With pressure mounting and fans eager for redemption after the heartbreak of missing the 2022 World Cup, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to deliver when it matters most.
Full 24-Man Squad
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
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Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)
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