Maduka Okoye Returns as Nigeria Names 24-Man Squad for World Cup Playoff in Rabat

Nigeria’s hopes of clinching a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup received a boost with the return of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, as Head Coach Eric Chelle unveiled a 24-man squad for the African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco.

Okoye, who plays for Udinese FC in Italy, rejoins the team alongside Spain-based forward Chidera Ejuke. The squad also features midfield dynamo Raphael Onyedika and attacking options Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle.

Captain William Ekong leads a defensive unit that includes Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, and exciting young talent Benjamin Fredericks. However, Hull City’s Oluwasemilogo Ajayi will miss the semi-final clash against Gabon due to suspension after accumulating two yellow cards during the qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are set to converge in Rabat on Monday, November 10, flying in from their respective clubs across Europe and Africa. Their semi-final showdown against Gabon will take place at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan. Cameroon will face DR Congo in the other semi-final at the El-Barid Stadium.

Nigeria’s 24-Man Squad
Goalkeepers

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)

Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)

Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)

Defenders

William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)

Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)

Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France)

Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)

Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England) – Suspended

Midfielders

Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)

Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Forwards

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)

Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England)

Simon Moses (Paris FC, France)

Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)

Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)