The Nigeria Football Federation has announced a 24-man Super Eagles squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs in Morocco, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and winger Chidera Ejuke making notable returns to the national team.
Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final clash at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on November 13.
The Super Eagles must win that game to reach the final three days later, where they could face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Okoye’s recall had been widely expected following strong performances for Udinese in Serie A.
The 26-year-old, who was suspended earlier in the season for breaching sporting conduct rules, has re-established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and was instrumental in ending Atalanta’s unbeaten run last weekend.
His return comes amid concerns over the recent inconsistency of first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali.
In defence, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, and Semi Ajayi are back in the squad.
Osayi-Samuel returns after recovering from a muscle injury that kept him out of the last international window.
The Birmingham City full-back is now fully fit and offers stability down the right flank. Ajayi, though suspended for the semi-final against Gabon due to accumulated yellow cards, remains part of the team.
Nantes defender Awaziem also returns, while captain William Troost-Ekong and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey retain their places.
The midfield lineup remains largely unchanged, with Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, and Alex Iwobi all keeping their places.
Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge also returns after a hamstring injury.
The 24-year-old impressed in Brugge’s recent 2-1 victory over Dender and earned praise for his performance against Barcelona in a thrilling six-goal draw.
His return adds defensive balance and technical quality to Nigeria’s midfield, particularly in the absence of Christantus Uche and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Chidera Ejuke’s inclusion marks his first call-up since October 2024.
The winger, who last featured for Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, has revived his form in Spain with Sevilla, where he has registered an assist in eight La Liga appearances this season.
His pace and creativity could be key in strengthening Nigeria’s attack, which will again be led by Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray.
Nigeria’s frontline also includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle. However, there were some surprise omissions.
Paul Onuachu, despite scoring seven league goals this season and recently winning the Turkish Super Lig Player of the Month award for October, was left out.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, was also excluded despite a string of fine performances in Serie A.
The Super Eagles are determined to return to the FIFA World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The play-offs, which will run from November 13 to 16 in Rabat, will feature Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo.
The winners will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs for a final shot at qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America.