7 players arrive as Eagles camp opens in Rabat ahead of win or bust World Cup playoff against Gabon

The Super Eagles have officially opened camp in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of Thursday’s win or bust CAF playoff semifinal against Gabon for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Seven players have already reported to camp, with three more expected to arrive later Sunday night.

Among the early arrivals are Fulham trio Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze. They are joined by Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare, Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun, Besiktas captain Wilfred Ndidi, and FC Paris winger Moses Simon.

According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, three additional players are scheduled to join the squad Sunday night: team captain William Troost-Ekong, arriving from Saudi Arabia, and defenders Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem.

Several other players who featured for their clubs on Saturday are ordinarily expected to report on Sunday as well. Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, fresh off a 1-0 win over Osasuna, are geographically close to Morocco and could arrive soon. Semi Ajayi, who came on late in Hull City’s 3-2 victory, is also anticipated.

The remainder of the squad is expected to arrive on Monday following their Sunday club commitments. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman both endured defeats and failed to score for their respective teams, Osimhen in Galatasaray’s 1-0 loss to Kacielospor, and Lookman in Atalanta’s 3-0 home defeat to Sassuolo at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.

Raphael Onyedika played 88 minutes and received a yellow card in Club Brugge’s narrow loss to Anderlecht at Lotto Park. Frank Onyeka remained on the bench during Brentford’s 3-1 defeat to Newcastle at the Gtech Community Stadium, while Maduka Okoye featured in goal for Udinese in their Serie A clash against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.