NIGERIA’s Super Eagles have officially commenced preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off clash against Gabon, with ten players already in camp as of early Monday in Rabat, Morocco.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the early arrivals include Fulham duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze, and Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare. Also in camp are Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun, Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem, and Besiktas midfield marshal Wilfred Ndidi.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong, FC Paris winger Moses Simon, and promising young defender Benjamin Fredericks complete the list of players who checked in ahead of schedule.
Head coach Eric Chelle invited 24 players for the high-stakes fixture, Nigeria’s first under the revamped technical crew since securing their place in the play-offs with a resounding 4-0 victory over neighbours Benin Republic earlier this year.
That result restored confidence among fans who had earlier been worried about the Eagles’ inconsistent performances during the qualifiers.
Team officials confirmed that more players are expected later today and tomorrow as the camp gears into full swing.
Nigeria will face the Panthers of Gabon on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Rabat, with both teams vying for a spot in the final stage of the African play-offs.
Only the winner will advance to meet Cameroon or DR Congo for Africa’s sole ticket to the Intercontinental Play-Off scheduled for March 2026, the last hurdle before a place at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The battle is expected to be fierce as both sides understand that any slip-up could end their World Cup hopes.
Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) say morale is high in camp, with strong focus on strategic preparations, fitness drills, and bonding sessions.
The Eagles will have three full training days before stepping onto the pitch for the decisive encounter.
