Chelle Lists Ekong, Osimhen & Moses in 24-Man Squad for WC Play-offs

Éric Sékou Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, has named a 24-man squad for the upcoming African play-off tournament ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Leading the list are captain William Troost‑Ekong, forward Victor Osimhen and winger Simon Moses, among others. Other notable inclusions goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi‑Samuel.

Midfield reinforcements include Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, while attacking options also feature Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and forward Chidera Ejuke.

The play-off bracket sees Nigeria drawn to face Gabon National Football Team in the semi-final of the tournament being held in Rabat, Morocco.

Editorial

There is a gravity to squad announcements in football that belies the simple roll-call of names. When Eric Chelle unveiled his 24-man list for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup play-off campaign, what he revealed was not just selection but­ intention.

In William Troost-Ekong, he retains leadership. In Victor Osimhen and Simon Moses, he stakes a claim on firepower. But beyond the marquee names lies a broader narrative midfielders ready to dictate, defenders ready to marshal, and goalkeepers primed for the international stage. Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka they are the engine room Calderon Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel and the rest form the perfect bridge between assertion and structure.

Yet the shape of Nigeria’s ambition is discernible in its alignment between identity and purpose. The play-offs in Rabat are a return to first principles: get there, win the one game that matters, and keep moving. For Nigeria the burden of history has always been present, but now it must convert into the procedure of success. This squad suggests a blending of experience and dynamism, but the tournament will not wait. It will demand sharpness, unity and a serviceable edge.

There are key observations one, that Chelle has left no zone untouched from goal to attack two, that the choice of Morocco as the venue sets an unfamiliar stage and three, that the players summoned must not just respond, they must dominate. Nigeria does not simply arrive they must take over.

This is a moment of consequence. If the Super Eagles harness their collective assets, align their roles and impose their will, they will not only navigate the play-off they will make an impression. If they falter, the cost will be immediate and stark. The list is announced. The stage is set. Now comes the reckoning.

Did You Know?

1. William Troost-Ekong has been named captain of Nigeria for this play-off campaign a role that underlines his significance both on and off the pitch.
2. Victor Osimhen, despite club scandals and injury setbacks, remains Nigeria’s leading attacking option and was an automatic inclusion in Chelle’s list.
3. Stanley Nwabali, included in the squad, plays his club football not in Europe’s top-five leagues but in South Africa, showing that Nigeria’s selection is broadening beyond traditional markets.
4. Chidera Ejuke, selected among forwards, had previously been overlooked for senior national duty yet earned inclusion for this high stakes tournament highlighting Chelle’s willingness to innovate.
5. The play-offs in Rabat mark one of the most condensed and high-pressure pathways to a World Cup for African teams Nigeria must navigate just a handful of matches to progress, leaving little margin for error.