Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco, with the major highlight being the return of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye to international action.
Okoye’s recall follows mounting pressure on first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose recent performances have drawn criticism from fans and analysts.
The squad features captain William Troost-Ekong, striker Victor Osimhen, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, as well as midfield regulars Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi, who now boasts 89 caps for Nigeria.
Forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Chidera Ejuke are also included, alongside newcomers Benjamin Fredericks, Raphael Onyedika, Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final on November 22 at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan, while Cameroon takes on DR Congo in the other semi-final at El-Barid Stadium.
The Super Eagles are expected to assemble in Morocco on November 10, with players arriving from their various clubs across Europe and beyond.
For Okoye, the call-up marks a significant comeback.
The 25-year-old, who debuted for Nigeria in 2019, was the country’s No. 1 goalkeeper at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations before facing heavy criticism for an error in the Round-of-16 loss to Tunisia.
Following that incident, he stepped away from national duties and was omitted from subsequent squads as Nwabali emerged as the new starter.
Now excelling at Udinese Calcio in Italy’s Serie A, Okoye’s strong form has earned him a recall, signaling renewed competition for Nigeria’s goalkeeping role.
His return also comes months after serving a two-month suspension in Italy for breaching betting regulations, though he was cleared of any match-fixing allegations.
As Chelle’s men prepare for the play-offs, all eyes will be on Okoye’s form and how his comeback influences the team’s push for the 2026 World Cup.
Full Squad List:
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); Semi 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)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf (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).
