Nigeria has announced a 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, with Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye returning to the team for the clash against the Panthers of Gabon.
Okoye’s recall comes after serving a two-month suspension for breaching betting regulations. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika also makes the list after missing the final rounds of the World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
The squad, released early Saturday, includes long-absent Sevilla forward Chidera Ejuke, alongside key regulars such as Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey, and Moses Simon.
Emerging talents like defender Benjamin Fredericks, Sevilla striker Akor Adams, and forwards Tolu Arokodare and Olusegun Olakunle are also part of the team.
The players are expected to arrive directly in Morocco and assemble in Rabat on Monday, November 10.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final of the playoffs on Wednesday, November 13, at the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.
The winner will go on to play either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final, with the victor securing Africa’s sole spot in the intercontinental playoff scheduled for next year.
