Wilfred Ndidi will captain the Tremendous Eagles as Nigeria tackle Gabon in Thursday’s essential 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Head coach Eric Chelle has named a robust beginning XI, choosing Stanley Nwabali in objective, with Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey anchoring the defence. Zaidu Sanusi and Vibrant Osayi-Samuel occupy the full-back positions as Nigeria search a strong defensive form.
In midfield, Ndidi leads the cost in his acquainted holding position, flanked by Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze.
The Besiktas midfielder wears the captain’s armband within the absence of William Troost-Ekong, who begins from the bench.
Iwobi’s inclusion marks a private milestone — his ninetieth look for the Tremendous Eagles, underscoring his longevity and consistency since making his debut in 2015.
Up entrance, Nigeria discipline a dynamic attacking trio that includes Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen. The mix provides each tempo and precision, with Lookman and Chukwueze anticipated to supply width and creativity for Osimhen, who leads the road.
Among the many substitutes are Maduka Okoye, Ekong, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, and Moses Simon, giving Chelle ample choices to tweak the sport if wanted.
The match is essential to Nigeria’s World Cup hopes, with victory over Gabon establishing a possible showdown with Cameroon or DR Congo for a ticket to the intercontinental playoff.
Kick-off is scheduled for five p.m. Nigerian time in Rabat.
