adminreporter
The Super Eagles have settled into camp in Rabat, Morocco, as the team begins preparations for Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa playoff semi-final against Gabon.
According to Super Eagles’ media officer, Promise Efoghe, the camp officially opened on Sunday at the Rive Hotel in the Moroccan capital. Eight players were already in by afternoon before two more arrived later in the night.
By Sunday evening, the early arrivals included captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, and Olakunle Olusegun. Efoghe added that Benjamin Frederick and Chidozie Awaziem were expected to join before midnight.
Head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew are already in Rabat, where the squad will train at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, a 22,000-capacity venue that will also host Thursday’s game.
Chelle named a 24-man list for the playoff earlier in the month, with some notable returnees. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is back in the fold after regaining his starting spot in Serie A. Okoye’s recall comes amid growing calls for more stability between the posts following recent inconsistencies from Stanley Nwabali.
Also returning is Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke, who has been in good form in Spain. It is his first Super Eagles call-up since 2021, and his pace and flair have become key for Sevilla in their recent La Liga matches.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final on Thursday, while Cameroon take on DR Congo at the El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat. The winners from both matches will meet on November 16 to decide who advances to the inter-confederation playoffs for a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
After missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Super Eagles are determined to return to the global stage. Their last appearance came at Russia 2018.
