Nigeria’s preparation for Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff has gathered actual momentum in Rabat, with 18 gamers now in camp as of Monday,
The staff held its first full coaching session on the Institut Royal de Formation des Cadres in Rabat beneath the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle.
Amongst these already in Morocco are key regulars Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Moses Simon, joined by Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun.
Captain William Troost-Ekong has additionally linked up with the squad alongside defenders Benjamin Frederick and Chidozie Awaziem.
Goalkeepers Amas Obasogie and Stanley Nwabali are in camp, as are Semi Ajayi, Raphael Onyedika, and different stars like Ademola Lookman, Chidera Ejuke, and Akor Adams. Brilliant Osayi-Samuel accomplished Monday’s early arrivals.
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Group officers confirmed that three extra gamers are anticipated to reach earlier than midnight, which can take the tally to 21 forward of Tuesday’s second coaching session in Rabat.
Nigeria’s opening conflict within the four-nation play-off event is towards Gabon on Thursday, 13 November, on the 22,000-capacity venue, whereas Cameroon and DR Congo sq. off within the different semi-final at El-Barid Stadium, additionally in Rabat.
Winners of each semi-finals will face off on Sunday, 16 November for Africa’s sole ticket to the Inter Continental Playoffs.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup might be hosted collectively by america, Canada, and Mexico.
The early camp environment has been described as optimistic, with Chelle and his assistants placing the gamers by means of restoration drills, mild ball work, and tactical routines.
Coaching depth is predicted to rise sharply from Tuesday as soon as the ultimate group of gamers joins.
Balanced checklist
Chelle’s 24-man checklist, unveiled on the weekend, displays a cautious steadiness of type, expertise, and renewal.
The coach recalled Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye alongside Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke and Membership Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
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Nigeria’s key attacking choices — Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze — headline the ahead line, whereas midfield solidity will depend upon Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Iwobi.
Defensively, teenage centre-back Benjamin Frederick underlines Chelle’s willingness to refresh the squad with youthful choices, even because the core of the staff stays skilled.
Nigeria will purpose to exorcise the ghosts of their failed qualification for Qatar 2022, a marketing campaign that resulted in heartbreak towards Ghana.
With the play-off format leaving no margin for error, the Tremendous Eagles should mix focus, health, and type to safe their place amongst Africa’s elite on the street to 2026.
