Head coach Eric Chelle has kicked off preparations for Nigeria’s CAF World Cup playoff with eight players already in camp in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of the all-important clash against Gabon.
The early arrivals include Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, and Moses Simon.
According to camp sources, Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem are expected to arrive on Sunday, while Victor Osimhen, who featured for Galatasaray in a 1–0 loss to Kocaelispor yesterday in the Turkish Super Lig, is due to join the team today.
Osimhen’s arrival is expected to further boost morale as the Super Eagles ramp up preparations for the must-win encounter. A win over Gabon would send Nigeria into the final round of the CAF playoffs, where they could face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a spot in the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs.
The players and technical crew understand the magnitude of the task of returning Nigeria to the World Cup after missing out in 2022. For Chelle, it also presents an opportunity to make history by qualifying for his first World Cup as a manager.
Eric Chelle’s 24-Man Squad for Gabon Clash
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye
Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Benjamin Fredericks
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun
Notably, Paul Onuachu, who has been in red-hot form with eight goals in twelve league appearances, misses out on the squad. However, Bright Osayi-Samuel makes a welcome return after recovering from injury, while Chidozie Awaziem and Chidera Ejuke are also recalled.
Nigeria will take on Gabon in the semi-final playoff on Thursday, November 13, at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco.
