2026 World Cup Qualifiers Playoffs: Nigeria open camp in Rabat with eight players

Nigeria have officially opened camp in Rabat, Morocco, as preparations intensify for their crucial CAF World Cup qualifiers playoff encounter, with eight players already reporting for duty.

Head coach Eric Chelle oversaw the team’s first training session on Saturday, featuring Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, and Moses Simon.

Team sources confirmed that Benjamin Fredericks and Chidozie Awaziem joined the camp on Sunday.

Meanwhile, star striker Victor Osimhen, who featured for Galatasaray in their 1-0 loss to Kocaelispor earlier today in the Turkish Super Lig, is set to arrive tomorrow. His inclusion is expected to further lift the mood in camp as the Super Eagles step up preparations for the must-win clash.

Nigeria’s playoff tie against Gabon carries high stakes, with victory securing a place in the final round of the CAF playoffs.

A win there could see the Super Eagles face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a ticket to the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs, and a potential return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022